CityNews Kitchener, the radio station formerly known as 570 NewsRadio, has gone silent, leaving the Kitchener community to mourn the loss of a local media staple. The station's sign was photographed on July 8, 2026, marking the end of an era for the region's radio listeners.
Station's history and impact
For decades, 570 NewsRadio served as a primary source of local news, traffic updates, and community information for Kitchener and the surrounding Waterloo Region. The station transitioned to CityNews branding in recent years but maintained its focus on local content. The closure eliminates a key platform for regional journalism.
Community reaction
Local residents and leaders expressed disappointment over the shutdown. Many noted the station's role in covering municipal affairs, emergency alerts, and community events. The loss is felt particularly among older listeners who relied on radio for daily news.
Broader media landscape
The closure reflects ongoing challenges in the broadcast industry, where declining advertising revenue and shifting listener habits have forced many stations to consolidate or shut down. Kitchener now has fewer local radio news outlets, raising concerns about information access in the region.
According to a statement from the station's parent company, the decision was made after a thorough review of operations. The company cited economic pressures and changing consumer behavior as factors. No further details were provided about potential replacements or future use of the frequency.
