TORONTO, ONTARIO — The Filipino-Canadian Journalists Network (FCJN) has added its voice to the mounting backlash against Rogers Sports & Media, strongly denouncing the company’s decision to cut 230 positions and shut down six radio stations across the country.
In a sharply worded statement, the network expressed deep solidarity with all journalists and media workers impacted by the sweeping cuts, warning that the downsizing carries severe consequences beyond the loss of employment.
FCJN emphasized that corporate staff reductions do more than simply shrink newsroom headcounts, but they also actively erode the diversity of perspectives present in Canadian media.
"These cuts do not only reduce the number of journalists. Worse, they diminish the diversity of voices inside Canadian newsrooms. Without those voices, many communities are less likely to see themselves reflected in the news." the statement said.
According to the journalists’ group, ethnocultural journalists provide critical linguistic skills, lived experiences, and deep community roots that are vital for uncovering overlooked stories and ensuring accurate, holistic reporting. When these positions are eliminated, underrepresented groups face renewed marginalization in the national media landscape.
The FCJN’s statement echoes warnings that were also issued by politicians, major press freedom and labour organizations regarding the fragile state of Canadian journalism.
Ontario NDP Leader Marit Stiles, in her post on X, said that “Local journalism matters. When companies put their profits over people, and the work they do to keep their communities informed, it’s a major loss for all of us.” B.C. Premier David Eby also responded in his own X account, writing that "We all benefit from having local news outlets and this is a blow for British Columbians”.
The Canadian Association of Journalists (CAJ) is alarmed that shrinking local newsrooms "diminish our collective knowledge and our responsibility to democracy." Labour union UNIFOR, meanwhile, stressed that every newsroom closure leaves local populations "less informed, less connected and less able to hold powerful institutions to account."
FCJN has issued a direct appeal to Rogers corporate leadership, urging them to partner with UNIFOR to mitigate involuntary job losses, safeguard local reporting, and halt any restructuring trajectory that further silences minority and underrepresented voices.
In a statement reported in Roger’s CityNews Toronto website, the company said “the media business continues to face headwinds driven by declining advertising revenue and changing audience habits.” Rogers said they will continue to own and operate 44 radio stations in nearly 30 communities across the country and to invest in local news in the impacted markets.
The move to lay-off employees comes one day after Rogers Communications announced it has signed an agreement to buy the remaining 25% ownership stake in Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment (MLSE) from Kilmer Sports Inc. for C$4.35 billion, increasing Rogers ownership in MLSE to 100%.
