Rogers Sports & Media is closing six radio stations and eliminating approximately 230 jobs [1] across Canada this week.
The cuts signal a deepening crisis for traditional broadcast media as audiences shift away from linear radio toward digital platforms. The closures impact major markets including Vancouver, Calgary, Halifax, and Kitchener.
According to the company, a nationwide review revealed declining audience and revenue trends in its audio business [4]. This prompted the decision to shutter the stations to preserve the company's remaining assets.
"We are making these difficult decisions to ensure the long‑term health of our audio business," a Rogers spokesperson said [2].
In Vancouver, the closures include Sportsnet 650 and News 1130 [3]. In Calgary, two stations also went off the air [5]. Reports indicate the stations ceased broadcasting at 5 p.m. local time on Tuesday [5].
While some reports specify that 80 jobs were tied directly to the station closures [2], the broader restructuring across Rogers Sports & Media has resulted in 230 total positions being fired [1].
The sudden silence of these broadcasters has drawn criticism from industry observers. "It’s another dark day for the Canadian media industry and particularly the radio landscape in British Columbia," a KelownaNow author said [3].
Rogers has not provided a detailed timeline for the redistribution of the remaining frequencies or a plan for the displaced workers.
“"We are making these difficult decisions to ensure the long‑term health of our audio business."”
These closures reflect a broader structural decline in the terrestrial radio market, where traditional advertising revenue is failing to keep pace with the rise of streaming and podcasts. By cutting 230 jobs and exiting multiple city markets, Rogers is pivoting away from high-overhead broadcast infrastructure to mitigate financial losses driven by changing listener habits.
