By Andrew Phillip Chernoff | CanucksBanter
July 7, 2026
The most significant headline affecting the Canucks’ market today comes from the media landscape.
Rogers Communications has abruptly shuttered six of its radio stations across Canada, including Vancouver’s Sportsnet 650—the official radio broadcast partner of the Canucks since 2017.
Rogers Sports & Media abruptly ceased the operations, citing insurmountable macroeconomic headwinds related to declining audience metrics and deteriorating advertising revenues.
This closure deals a massive blow to the local sports broadcasting market, echoing the previous shutdown of TSN 1040 in 2021.
The closure effectively finalizes the total eradication of dedicated sports radio in British Columbia’s largest market.
Rogers Communications retains the exclusive regional television and radio rights for Canucks Sports & Entertainment (CSE) through the 2032-2033 National Hockey League (NHL) season.
Consequently, the Canucks are legally bound to Rogers, precluding a simple migration to a competitor network.
Rogers has indicated that game day radio production will go to another Rogers-owned station in the Vancouver market, likely forcing play-by-play audio onto FM music formats.
More on this major story tomorrow…
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