Rogers Communications Inc. has made the decision to shut down its CityNews Ottawa radio station and terminate the employment of newsroom staff. According to Rogers Sports & Media spokeswoman Charmaine Khan, this move, effective immediately, is a response to dwindling audience numbers, declining revenue, and what the company perceives as “restrictive” regulatory policies pertaining to AM radio. The layoffs impact fewer than ten employees.
However, CityNews Ottawa will maintain a digital presence with the support of two digital reporters, enabling audiences to access news, traffic, and weather updates through the CityNews Ottawa website and its various social media channels. It’s worth noting that no other CityNews radio or television stations will be affected by this closure.
This development is the most recent blow to local news this year, following BCE Inc.’s announcement of plans to close or sell nine radio stations and reduce Bell Media’s workforce by six percent, citing unfavorable policy and regulatory conditions as the cause.
