More than half of the newsroom at Radio NL in Kamloops, B.C., has been let go as the station moves to a music format.
The radio station has had a decades-long grip on news in the Interior and beyond, breaking stories and covering everything from emergencies to courts and city hall.
Today some changes were made at Radio NL in Kamloops to ensure the radio station’s long-term viability and commitment to the community. Instead of programming news/talk around the clock, the station will now include a mix of music, news, sports, and community information. (1)
— RadioNLNews (@RadioNLNews) September 24, 2024
As a result of this difficult decision, some positions were impacted in news and programming. Our remaining news team at Radio NL will continue to provide the most local newscasts throughout the day reflecting all that is important in our community. (2)
— RadioNLNews (@RadioNLNews) September 24, 2024
The closure of RadioNL’s newsroom is just bad news for local journalism. @RadioNLNews has long been a trusted source of information for the community, and @MineerBrett voice has been a steady presence in their lives.
— David Eby (@Dave_Eby) September 24, 2024
Radio NL news director Paul James says four of seven journalists have been let go, but they will still be maintaining a newsroom.
He says the ability of radio stations, particularly in the smaller communities, to maintain a news-talk operation has become less financially viable.
Radio NL, at 610 on the AM dial, was one of more than 100 licences purchased by Stingray Digital Group Inc. in 2018.
B.C. Premier David Eby says in reaction to the cuts on social media that the decision by the Stingray Group to reduce the newsroom was "just bad for local journalism."
