Halifax talk radio station 95.7 News Radio went off the air Tuesday, and many listeners, media observers and former contributors say its closure is a major loss for the community.
The station was abruptly shut down by owner Rogers Sports & Media, which closed six radio stations across four Canadian cities.
Final Message Aired to Listeners
Throughout Tuesday, listeners heard a repeated announcement confirming the end of the station.
The message said it was the final day for 95.7 News Radio and thanked the Halifax area, station contributors and loyal listeners for their support over the years.
Station Launched in 2005
Tim Roszell, one of the people involved in the station’s early days, helped launch 95.7 News Radio in 2005.
The Halifax launch happened alongside the creation of News 88.9 in Saint John and News 91.9 in Moncton.
Roszell said the Halifax newsroom had about eight staff members when it began.
Staff Worked Hard to Build the Format
Roszell said the team had different levels of experience, but everyone worked with dedication.
He said the staff believed strongly in the value of local news radio and wanted to prove that this type of format had a place in the region.
He described the station’s closure as both sad and disappointing.
Tributes Shared Online
After the shutdown, tributes appeared across social media.
Politicians, former guests and regular listeners expressed sadness over the loss of the station.
Many remembered it for its breaking news updates, call-in programs and recognizable host personalities.
Local Emergency Coverage Will Be Missed
Roszell said the station’s real-time local coverage will be difficult to replace.
He said stations like 95.7 News Radio become especially important during emergencies such as hurricane warnings, forest fires and other major local events.
According to him, the station’s strength was its hyperlocal focus and quick response to events happening in the community.
Journalism Professor Says Closure Is a Loss
Retired University of King’s College journalism professor Stephen Kimber said the closure was not entirely surprising, but still disappointing.
He said the station’s work mattered and would be missed.
Kimber said 95.7 News Radio provided an important alternative to the CBC and to private radio stations that were not required to include news programming.
Hosts Praised for Strong Interviews
Kimber said he was often impressed by the quality of the station’s hosts.
He especially highlighted Rick Howe, saying Howe produced several hours of daily radio with sharp and thoughtful interviews, often with limited support.
Kimber said the station “punched well above its weight.”
Loss Adds to Media Challenges
Kimber said Halifax still has reasons to be hopeful because of independent outlets such as the Halifax Examiner.
However, he said the closure of another news outlet remains a serious blow to the local media landscape.
Call-In Shows Created Community
Kimber also said the end of the station’s call-in shows represents another loss.
He noted that regular callers often developed relationships with hosts, while listeners formed a kind of shared community around those conversations.
He said the closure reduces what people think of as the public square.
The shutdown of Halifax’s 95.7 News Radio marks the end of a local station known for breaking news, emergency updates, call-in shows and strong host-driven conversations.
While the media landscape continues to change, former staff, listeners and observers say the station played an important role in keeping Halifax informed and connected.