Is local journalism fading? Two Vancouver radio stations are off the air

News 1130 was Vancouver’s only 24-hour news radio station — and now it’s off the air.

The end of News 1130 represents a significant change for Vancouver, as the city has lost a strong source of news and connection that served the community for decades.

With News 1130, Rogers Sports & Media also closed Vancouver’s last sports radio station, Sportsnet 650 — along with four more station closures and cut 230 jobs across Canada in early July.

For many people, News 1130 was a part of their daily routine. Listeners relied on the station’s traffic updates, weather reports, and local news coverage. Services like this cannot be easily replaced.

Sportsnet 650 wasn’t just game scores, but a space for sports fans that strengthened the city’s unity and identity. The station, which shut down the same day as the last FIFA World Cup match at BC Place, could lead to decreased interest and passion about Vancouver sports. 

The closure of News 1130 and Sportsnet 650 shows that the challenge facing Canadian journalism is not only about emerging new technologies, but also about the value society places on local news.

While some might believe that radio isn’t necessary in the digital world, I think it’s essential. Radio remains as one of the safest ways to reach people during emergencies, and listeners can tune in without constantly checking their phones.

The Canadian Association of Journalists (CAJ) criticized Rogers’ decision. Fittingly, the CAJ titled their press release “Billions for sports, nothing for locals” — an outcry for the fading local newsrooms epidemic.

The News 1130 closure is part of a growing concern that local journalism is becoming less prioritized despite its value and importance to the communities it serves.

I, partially, understand Rogers’ closures and job cuts. Every business aims to remain financially sustainable, and today’s journalism landscape looks very different with declining advertising revenue.

However, news organizations serve public interests — which sets them apart from the rest.

The closure of News 1130 and Sportsnet 650 reminds us that local journalism cannot be taken as granted. While technologies will continue to change the way we consume news, the need for accessible and accurate journalism will remain. The station closures impact communities, but also hundreds of journalists who have lost their jobs in an already struggling industry.

Communities need reliable sources of information that focus on issues local to them. I hope this decision encourages Canadians to think more carefully about their local newsrooms — before someone pulls the plug.