Rogers Media has shut down six radio stations across Canada, including Calgary's 660 NewsRadio and Sportsnet 960 The Fan, eliminating more than 230 jobs. The closures, announced on July 7, 2026, have sparked widespread concern about the future of local news and the training ground for aspiring journalists.
Abrupt end for Calgary stations
Both Calgary stations went silent mid-broadcast on Tuesday, with a recorded message confirming the end. "Today is the last day 660 NewsRadio will be on the air. We are proud to have served Calgary and the surrounding area. Thank you to everyone who contributed to the station over the years," the recording stated. Similar messages played on Sportsnet 960 The Fan.
Rogers blamed "declining audience and revenue trends" for the decision. A company spokesperson noted that the Calgary sports radio station averaged just 1,200 listeners from October to May. "These changes are part of our plan to focus our investment in areas that will drive growth long-term," the spokesperson said.
Drying up the pipeline for young broadcasters
Archie McLean, a journalism professor at Mount Royal University, expressed alarm over the loss of entry-level opportunities. "It seems that the pipeline for young broadcasters, young reporters, is drying up," McLean said. "Many broadcasters got their start at these kinds of local media outlets and made their way to larger national outlets, but it's getting harder and harder to make a living in local sports media, and it's always been hard to get these national jobs."
McLean added, "It's unclear, you know, whether they'll be able to find work in this kind of field again. We need more local media voices, not fewer, and so every time we see these closures, it's a sad day."
Mayor calls for renewed support for local journalism
Calgary Mayor Jeromy Farkas described the news as "troubling" and emphasized the importance of local media in an era of misinformation. "We live in such a raw time with social media influence, even foreign interference, in things such as the fall referenda — I think supporting local journalism now is more important than ever, and I'm hoping we could renew public support for local broadcasting, not just for politics and talk radio but also sports," Farkas said.
Financial realities and the rise of podcasts
McLean noted that the decline in traditional radio listeners coincides with the growing popularity of podcasts, which offer listeners convenience and on-demand content. This shift has made it difficult for legacy stations to maintain audiences and revenue. The closures are part of a broader trend affecting local media across Canada, with Rogers cutting more than 230 jobs nationwide.
Despite the cuts, Rogers touted the creation of 2,600 jobs in Western Canada since its 2021 merger with Shaw. However, critics argue that the loss of local radio stations weakens community ties and reduces opportunities for emerging journalists.
Uncertain future for displaced workers
The sudden closure leaves hundreds of employees searching for new roles in a shrinking industry. McLean expressed doubt about their prospects: "It's unclear whether they'll be able to find work in this kind of field again." The loss of stations like 660 NewsRadio and Sportsnet 960 The Fan removes critical platforms for local news, sports coverage, and community engagement, raising questions about how Calgary will fill the void.
