Rogers shuts down CityNews Ottawa radio station, lays off newsroom staff
By The Canadian Press on October 26, 2023.
OTTAWA – Rogers Communications Inc. says it is closing its CityNews Ottawa radio station and laying off newsroom staff. Rogers Sports & Media spokeswoman Charmaine Khan says the decision, effective Thursday, is due to low audiences, declining revenue and “restrictive” regulatory policies for AM radio. She says the number of employees cut is less than 10. Khan says the outlet will maintain an online presence supported by two digital reporters, allowing audiences to get news, traffic and weather updates through the CityNews Ottawa website and its social media channels. No other CityNews radio or television stations are affected by the closure. The move marks the latest hit to local news this year, after BCE Inc. announced it would close or sell nine radio stations and slash six per cent of Bell Media’s workforce in response to unfavourable policy and regulatory conditions. This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 26, 2023. Companies in this story: (TSX:RCI.B) 9-8
