Bell shuts down TSN Radio in three cities across Canada

The Bell Media cuts continue, and it has reached TSN Radio.

Three stations are no longer operating as all-sports radio, including TSN 1040 in Vancouver, TSN 1150 in Hamilton, and TSN 1290 in Winnipeg.

“It was a difficult decision, but the realities of the quickly evolving broadcast media landscape in Canada have made this change unavoidable,” a statement put out on TSN 1040 Vancouver and TSN 1290 Winnipeg said.

“We want to thank our on-air personalities, advertising partners and sponsors, and everyone who has contributed to this station. But especially we want to thank our listeners. Our work here at [TSN 1040/TSN 1290] was driven by our passion to bring you the very best sports, news and discussion. We sincerely appreciate the time you have spent with us.”

These stations will transition to a “funny format” that includes stand up comedy according to Bell Media President Wade Oosterman in an internal email sent to staff.

“The adjustments we’re making to some of our radio stations this week offer a good example
of Bell Media’s readiness to change when it’s right for the business, especially when our costs are too high to justify where we simply have a better model to serve a given marketplace,” said Oosterman.

“Later this week, we’ll also transition TSN radio stations in Winnipeg and Vancouver to our funny format, which has already proven highly successful in markets like Hamilton and Calgary with its standup comedy content.”

Debuting in 2001 as Team 1040, TSN 1040 in Vancouver has been on the air for the past 20 years. Meanwhile, TSN Radio 1290 Winnipeg rebranded from CFRW in 2011.

As for TSN 1150 in Hamilton, it will become BNN Bloomberg Radio 1150, offering business news.

“Hamilton is a vibrant, growing business community that is evolving and we are excited to bring this brand and its expansive content to the market,” TSN 1150’s statement read. “BNN Bloomberg Radio 1150 will continue to focus on the same key demographic while offering more breadth of content covering business, innovation, tech and sports.”

Both Vancouver and Winnipeg’s TSN radio stations social media accounts are no longer in operation, and the radio stations are currently playing music on a loop.

Over the past week, Bell Media has laid off over 200 employees, including Dan O’Toole, Natasha Staniszewski, Kristian Jack, and Brent Wallace on the television side.

Many prominent TSN broadcasters have taken to social media after the announcement to share remorse for their colleagues.

Just gutted by today’s news. Feeling awful for friends and colleagues affected by the radio closures in Vancouver, Winnipeg and Hamilton. Enjoyed being on some of those shows. Awful day.

— Pierre LeBrun (@PierreVLeBrun) February 9, 2021

To my many radio in friends in Winnipeg, Vancouver and Hamilton, thank you for the conversations, laughs and on-air disagreements over the years. I cut my teeth in this business in radio and to see so many talented folks impacted is heart wrenching. Best to all.

— Darren Dreger (@DarrenDreger) February 9, 2021

It’s heartbreaking to see so many of my dear friends and colleagues in WPG, VAN and HAM lose their jobs, including you, Troy, as well as @JimTothSports, @IllegalCurve and so many others, too numerous to mention. I’m just gutted for all of you. 💔 🙏 https://t.co/CNPQG19Cpd

— Bob McKenzie (@TSNBobMcKenzie) February 9, 2021

• See also:
  • Canadian sports fans are pissed after TSN breaks up Jay and Dan
  • Dan O’Toole sounds off on social media after Bell Media cuts
  • TSN’s Dan O’Toole among this week’s Bell Media layoffs