Full Breakdown
Rogers Shuts Down Six Radio Stations, Ending Calgary’s Sports and News Radio
7/8/2026, 1:34:06 AM
Core Event: Six Station Closures Across Four Markets
On July 7, Rogers Sports & Media announced the closure of six AM/FM stations in Calgary, Vancouver, Halifax and Kitchener. The affected outlets are Calgary’s Sportsnet 960 The Fan and 660 NewsRadio, Vancouver’s Sportsnet 650 and News 1130, Halifax’s 95.7 NewsRadio, and Kitchener’s 570 NewsRadio. The shutdown eliminates 230 positions, including 80 radio staff.
Background, Rationale, and Data
Rogers said a thorough review showed declining audiences and advertising revenue, prompting a strategic shift toward growth platforms. Recent audience measurements indicated the Calgary and Vancouver sports stations averaged under 2,100 listeners each. The company continues to operate 44 stations in roughly 30 markets and had completed a $4.35 billion acquisition of Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment.
Official Statements & Responses
Rogers’ statement framed the closures as necessary given declining audience and revenue trends and described the move as part of a plan to focus investment on long-term growth. The company expressed gratitude to listeners and staff for their contributions to local communities.
Criticism & Opposition
Jeffrey Dvorkin, former director of the journalism program at the University of Toronto, said the closures reflect pressure to satisfy shareholders and noted that Rogers recognizes its previous revenue model is no longer viable.
On-the-Ground Impact and Implications
Calgary’s 660 NewsRadio, the city’s only all-news station, ceased operations, removing a round-the-clock source for traffic, weather and emergency alerts. The shutdown of Sportsnet 960 also ends a broadcast lineage dating to 1922. With no local radio home for the Flames, fans must turn to the team’s digital channels and television for game coverage.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources concur on the number of stations closed and job cuts, but independent verification of audience figures beyond the sub-2,100 average is not provided. No broadcaster has announced a new partner for Flames radio broadcasts.
Verbatim Quotes
- “After a thorough review of our radio stations, we have made the difficult but necessary decision to close six radio stations in four markets due to declining audience and revenue trends,” — Zac Carreiro, Rogers spokesperson
- “The media business continues to face headwinds driven by declining advertising revenue and changing audience habits. These changes are part of our plan to focus our investment in areas that will drive growth long-term.” — Zac Carreiro
- “We are grateful to our listeners and to our team for their contributions to the local community.” — Rogers Communications
- “I think that what we're seeing now is media organizations looking for ways in which they can return to some kind of shareholder satisfaction,” — Jeffrey Dvorkin, former director, University of Toronto
- “What Rogers is doing is recognizing that they cannot make the same amount of money doing what they did before,” — Jeffrey Dvorkin
What's Next
Rogers will continue operating its remaining 44 stations. In Vancouver, Canucks radio production will shift to another Rogers-owned station. In Calgary, no broadcaster has announced a new partner for Flames radio broadcasts.
