Canadian Radio: Rogers Shutters Six Stations

Rogers Sports and Media has shut down six radio stations across four Canadian cities, affecting about 80 employees as part of a broader cut of 230 positions.

The closures, which took effect Tuesday, July 7, 2026, include:

• Vancouver: Sportsnet 650 (CISL-AM), the city's last remaining all-sports station, and 1130 NewsRadio (CKWX-AM).
• Calgary: Sportsnet 960 (CFAC-AM) and 660 NewsRadio (CFFR-AM).
• Halifax: NewsRadio 95.7 (CJNI-FM).
• Kitchener: 570 NewsRadio (CKGL-AM).

Rogers Sports & Media cited declining audience numbers and advertising revenue after a thorough review of its radio operations. A company spokesperson described the move as a “difficult but necessary decision,” while noting that it will continue to operate 44 radio stations in nearly 30 communities and invest in local news in the affected markets.

 

Sportsnet 590 The Fan in Toronto and 680 NewsRadio will remain operational. The company plans to return the licenses of the closed stations to the CRTC.

Programming impacts include the relocation of Vancouver Canucks NHL broadcasts to another Rogers station in the market, while Calgary Flames radio rights broadcasts have ended with the closure of Sportsnet 960.

The radio closures form part of a larger restructuring at Rogers Sports & Media that eliminates roughly 230 positions overall, with about half involving corporate, sales, marketing, and programming support roles. Employees were notified Tuesday morning.

This consolidation reflects broader challenges in traditional radio, including shifting listener habits toward digital and streaming platforms amid ongoing industry pressures.