Rogers Communications abruptly shut down Sportsnet 650 on Monday, eliminating the last dedicated sports radio station in Vancouver.
The closure leaves the major Canadian hockey market without any local sports talk radio outlet for the first time in modern history.
>>> Global Male Testosterone Levels Drop Over 50% Since 1970s, Study Finds
The decision comes about five years after Bell Media closed Team 1040, the other major sports radio station in the market.
Vancouver hosts several major professional franchises, including the Vancouver Canucks, BC Lions, and Vancouver Whitecaps.
Media figure Samantha Pell criticized the corporate decision, calling it "absolutely outrageous and devastating."
Pell said the company handled the termination "callously" and that employees "deserved better."
>>> Auger-Aliassime Faces Djokovic in Wimbledon Quarterfinals
She also stated that passionate sports fans and the broader Vancouver media market "deserves better."
Rogers has not released an official public comment detailing the reasons behind the shutdown.
It remains unconfirmed how many jobs were eliminated or if any local programming will move to alternative Sportsnet digital platforms.
The timing coincides with the NHL offseason, a period of high fan engagement due to free agency and roster transactions.
>>> Fiat Launches Tiny Topolino EV in US for $13,995 with 19 mph Top Speed
No other broadcasting outlet has announced plans to fill the sports radio vacancy in Vancouver.
