A key radio station that’s been on the airwaves since 1929 has officially gone quiet, as 570 NewsRadio has officially been shut down.
CKGL, or AM 570, along with six other news radio stations across the country, from Vancouver to Halifax, were all shut down by their parent company, Rogers Sports & Media.
Initial news of the move came on Tuesday, July 7, when those stations in Calgary, Halifax, Vancouver, and Kitchener all went quiet.
Those impacted stations include 4 new radio stations and 2 sports radio stations, including:
- Kitchener – 570 NewsRadio
- Calgary – 660 NewsRadio, Sportsnet 650
- Vancouver – 1130 NewsRadio, Sportsnet 960
- Halifax – 95.7 NewsRadio
The closures by Rogers impacted 80 employees directly at those radio stations, while 230 positions were eliminated overall across Rogers Sports & Media.
“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,” said a spokesperson for Rogers Sports & Media in a statement.
“We continue to own and operate 44 radio stations in nearly 30 communities across the country and to invest in local news in the impacted markets.”
The move comes just a single day after the company acquired the remaining 25 per cent stake it had been missing in Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment, valued at around $4.35 billion.
It also comes after the company had reported a 10 per cent year-over-year jump in revenue as of April.
“The media business continues to face headwinds driven by declining advertising revenue and changing audience habits,” said Rogers Sports & Media.
“These changes are part of our plan to focus our investment in areas that will drive growth long-term.”
Rogers has stated that the websites for all four impacted news radio stations will continue to operate, providing news stories and content online, also stating that the moves have not impacted their video and television-based CityNews properties.
Both Toronto-based news and sports radio stations, including 680 NewsRadio and Sportsnet 590 ‘The Fan,’ will also continue to operate as usual.
Local reactions to the closure continue to roll in
The local community has been reeling from the impacts of the long-running station being shut down, with many saying it only hinders the public’s access to information across Waterloo Region.
Kitchener Mayor Berry Vrbanovic
“It’s rare that I feel speechless, but tonight is one of those nights. Feeling sad, angry and betrayed by Rogers and Rogers Sports & Media tonight! CityNews Kitchener was part of the heart & soul of our community – a trusted news source, a vital space for democratic accountability on shows like Mike Farwell, community pride during Kitchener Rangers games, national pride with our Toronto Blue Jays. Your trusted journalists & team members deserved better, the City of Kitchener community deserved better and our country that you have made billions in profits from deserved better.”
Ontario NDP Leader, Marit Styles
“Local journalism matters. When companies put their profits over people, and the work they do to keep their communities informed, it’s a major loss for all of us. I’m sending my thoughts to everyone at 570 NewsRadio Kitchener, and everyone who is losing a key local news outlet.”
Kitchener Rangers Organization
“570 NewsRadio has been an incredible partner to the Rangers. We are incredibly grateful to the entire staff, who have brought #OHLRangers hockey into the homes, cars and workplaces for our fans season after season. Their commitment to our organization and our community has never gone unnoticed.”
Cambridge Councillor Scott Hamilton
“I’m saddened to hear about today’s layoffs affecting local journalists, including members of the 570 NewsRadio team.
Local journalism is one of the foundations of a strong community. It keeps residents informed about the decisions that affect their daily lives, shines a light on local issues that might otherwise go unnoticed, and helps hold institutions accountable.”
Waterloo MPP Catherine Fife
“This is a devastating blow to our local news media. My thoughts are with the many dedicated employees who worked so hard to make sure our community was well informed. A strong democracy requires the media to hold us to account.”
Kitchener Councillor Dave Schnider
“I’m at a loss for words. Sad about the loss of such great local news and information. Angry at Rogers for their greed. Absolutely heartbroken for the incredible team members who provided such a vital service so well.”
President of the Ontario Liberal Party, Kathryn McGarry
“It literally makes no sense. There is far more to a community radio station than just profits. Thinking of the staff and all those who benefited in so many ways from 570News’s commitment to community.”
It seems to me that the management of this radio station has been handed a golden goose. The only question is are they willing to step up.