Rogers and Corus Cuts with Becky Coles, Tuesday, August 4, 2026

Good afternoon The Moosa Slobodian Network Friends,

I hope you had a nice long weekend for Canadian listeners.

Becky Coles and I had an informitive conversation on the Rogers radio station closures.

Have a listen using this link: https://open.spotify.com/episode/0G4ClkJdmFbJyXb0L8bb36?si=UAVDhOjZRCKbclZo0YzCTg

Show notes:

Rogers Radio Station Closures: Aliasgar Moosa and Becky Coles discussed the closure of six Rogers radio stations, including 570 News in Kitchener, which occurred on August 4, 2026. Coles noted that Rogers’ recent announcement regarding the purchase of the remaining 25% of Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment prompted immediate questions about how the company would fund the acquisition, with the station closures serving as a direct response to those financial requirements.
Strategic Planning behind Station Closures: Regarding the suddenness of the closures, Coles and Moosa agreed that the decision was likely a long-term strategic plan rather than an impulsive act. They highlighted that corporate radio management, particularly when owned by telecommunications companies with little inherent radio expertise, often prioritizes cost-cutting over the medium itself.
Limitations of Petitions and Consumer Power: Coles argued that petitions to save radio stations are generally ineffective, suggesting that consumer buying power is the only way to influence changes. Both participants acknowledged that when station formats change or closures occur, it is usually because the audience was not engaged or the business model was failing.
Signs of Impending Station Closures: Moosa identified early indicators of the 570 News shutdown, citing the previous closure of City News Ottawa (formerly 1310 News) and the return of its license to the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC). Moosa also noted that the introduction of Rob Snow’s syndicated national show, which replaced local content, served as a warning sign for the station’s eventual decline.
Reactionary Content Strategies in Radio: Coles criticized the tendency of corporate radio to reactively adopt trends, such as podcasting, by simply uploading full three-hour broadcasts without editing. They noted that this approach fails to account for listener habits, as most audiences prefer curated, shorter content rather than unedited, commercial-filled archives.
Importance of Local Content and Community Connection: Coles emphasized that radio remains relevant only when it serves as a companion to the listener and provides genuinely local content. They expressed concern that radio has strayed from its purpose, noting that listeners no longer rely on radio for basic information like weather forecasts because they have instant access via smartphones.
Challenges of Finding Trusted News Sources: Moosa and Coles discussed the difficulty of finding reliable, local news in the wake of station closures. They noted the frustration of paywalled local newspapers and the lack of comprehensive news coverage, forcing residents to rely on less reliable sources or social media algorithms.
Issues with Syndicated Programming and Lazy Management: Coles criticized the practice of airing repeated, syndicated shows or re-running content from previous days, calling it “lazy management”. Moosa and Coles noted that filling airtime with out-of-market hosts—such as Larry Fedoric broadcasting from Toronto—contributes to a lack of local connection and suggests that stations are prioritizing cost-saving over quality.
Cost-Saving Measures in Broadcasting: The participants agreed that using out-of-market hosts like Fedoric is a clear cost-saving measure, even if it creates a disconnect with the local audience. They noted that both Chorus and Rogers are increasingly using single, syndicated shows across multiple markets, which undermines the value of local morning radio.
Syndication vs. Local Morning Shows: Coles argued that while syndication can be a viable business model for some stations, the morning show must remain local to maintain a connection with the audience. They noted that without local presenters who can tell relatable stories, stations struggle to maintain listener interest.
The Success of CKTB and White Oaks: Moosa and Coles compared the failing corporate radio model to the success of CKTB, which was sold to White Oaks. Coles praised this transition, noting that the station has successfully maintained a local focus, serving the Niagara region and Hamilton rather than just repeating corporate-mandated programming.
Misinformation and the Decline of Traditional Media: Coles highlighted the dangers of the current media landscape, noting that the rise of artificial intelligence-generated content and misinformation has made it difficult for audiences to distinguish truth from fiction. They expressed concern that without trusted, local journalistic sources, public discourse is suffering.
Innovation in Radio and Media: Coles observed that traditional media organizations often struggle to innovate because they are focused on maintaining existing structures and satisfying corporate demands. They contrasted this with the creative freedom found in independent podcasting, which has allowed individuals like Moosa to pursue media projects without corporate constraints.
Personal Media Setup and Accessibility: Moosa and Coles discussed Moosa’s independent broadcasting setup, with Coles praising Moosa for using technology to overcome accessibility limitations. They highlighted that Moosa built a functional studio using specific tools like Audio Hijack, proving that individuals can create professional-grade media without relying on expensive, traditional infrastructure.
Website and Workflow Tools: Moosa clarified that the current broadcast setup is entirely software-based, utilizing applications like Audio Hijack rather than a physical mixing board. Coles supported this approach, noting that the excessive spending on hardware by traditional radio stations is unnecessary when reliable software alternatives exist.
Corporate Inefficiency in Media Technology: Coles critiqued the tendency of large media companies to implement “clunky” and inconsistent technology, such as disparate mobile apps. They argued that these companies fail to prioritize user-friendly experiences, unlike localized setups that rely on simple, accessible platforms like websites.
Mobile Apps and User Experience: Coles contrasted the poor quality of corporate radio apps—such as the iHeart app—with the well-designed mobile application used by WGRZ in Buffalo. They noted that WGRZ provides a seamless, user-friendly experience for news and streaming, suggesting that if radio stations invested properly in their own platforms, they could increase their audience retention.
Evaluating the Website and Booking System: Coles complimented Moosa on the website’s design, noting that its straightforward navigation makes it effective for promoting content and booking appointments. They also discussed the importance of Google Workspace for managing business emails and tasks, noting that it helps streamline operations, especially for someone working without traditional support.
Email Management and Branding Strategies: Moosa and Coles discussed the benefits of using a professional email associated with the Musa Sabodian Network. Coles agreed that having a distinct brand identity is valuable and suggested using email aliases to keep communication organized while maintaining a streamlined inbox.
Software Suite Comparisons (Google Workspace vs. Others): Moosa and Coles compared Google Workspace to other platforms like Zoom, with Moosa criticizing platforms that lack mid-tier plans. Coles highlighted that Google Workspace is more cost-effective because it consolidates multiple functions, such as scheduling and communication, into one subscription, reducing the need for disparate services.
Blue Jays Trade Deadline Analysis: Discussing the trade deadline, Moosa and Coles noted the departures of players like Gausman and Hoffman. Coles expressed disappointment with the team’s performance, noting that the 2026 season was a significant decline compared to the previous year, which had united fans emotionally.
Future Scheduling and Closing Remarks: Moosa outlined upcoming show dates, including an appearance by Rod Mawhood on August 6, 2026, to discuss sports, and Lynda Steele on August 13, 2026, to talk about broadcasting and politics. The participants concluded the session by planning future episodes for October and December.