Corus Entertainment has announced the closure of its Hamilton-based radio station, 900 CHML, marking the end of nearly a century of broadcasting for this community staple. This announcement, shared via the station's social media on August 14, 2024, cited prolonged financial losses resulting from shifting advertising revenues and fierce competition.
"This decision, though incredibly difficult, was made after careful consideration and is necessary following years of financial losses," the station posted on X. It noted the struggle against unregulated foreign platforms as a significant factor leading to its demise.
900 CHML has been part of Hamilton's media fabric since 1927, celebrating 95 years on air just last September. Corus, which has owned the station since acquiring the assets of 12 others from Western International Communications (WIC) back in 1999, took the hard step of shutting it down due to unsustainable financial circumstances.
Over its long history, CHML became famous for its talk radio programs, hosting well-known personalities like Paul Hanover, Bob Bratina, and more recently, Bill Kelly. The station's closure brings dismay to many loyal listeners who have grown accustomed to tuning in for shows such as Good Morning Hamilton and Hamilton Today.
Lisa Polewski, one of CHML's reporters since 2015, expressed her gratitude for the opportunities the station provided, sharing her sorrow about its closure. Similarly, talk show host Scott Thompson reflected on his four-decade connection to the station, thanking listeners for their support throughout the years.
The station's closure aligns with recent trends of media consolidation, as Corus Entertainment has been struggling financially. The company previously announced plans to reduce its workforce by 25% across its operations, resulting in significant layoffs at various radio properties.
Hamilton’s Mayor Andrea Horwath called this closure "devastated," noting the station's role as a community connector over the years. “For close to 100 years, 900 CHML's on-air personalities have been a part of our daily lives,” she conveyed, emphasizing the personal impact on Hamilton’s residents.
Local media experts warn of the broader consequences for local journalism as CHML’s closure contributes to the decreasing presence of local news outlets amid digital competition. Notably, 36 radio news stations have shuttered across Canada since 2008, with nine of those closures occurring within the past year and a half.
April Lindgren, a journalism professor at Toronto Metropolitan University, attributes these developments to challenges of securing advertising revenue, especially post-pandemic. She pointed out the resulting void of local news coverage impacts community engagement and accountability from local institutions.
Former employees of CHML, like Peggy Chapman, shared anecdotes about how the station connected with generations of families, reinforcing its importance within Hamilton. She pointed out how its absence would leave many without quick access to critical local news and information.
While some listeners remain hopeful for the station's future, with speculation about potential buyers, Corus Entertainment has not disclosed any plans for CHML’s license. The fate of many local radio stations hangs uncertain as the media industry continues to navigate rapidly changing technology and audience expectations.
Listeners' surprise at CHML’s sudden closure highlights the deep emotional bonds formed over decades with the station. People shared their disbelief on social media, lamenting the loss of their go-to source for news and community updates.
For now, Hamilton will have to grapple with the absence of one of its oldest and most beloved radio establishments. The community's reaction underscores how integral 900 CHML has been and raises questions about the future of local journalism amid rapid technological shifts.
Despite its end, 900 CHML's legacy will linger among its listeners and the community, representing nearly one hundred years of shared stories, news, and local culture. The memories forged through broadcasting resonate deeply within many hearts, marking the closure of this chapter as both poignant and significant.