Petition launched for beloved Victoria radio hosts cut in Rogers mass layoffs

A petition has been launched calling on Rogers Media to bring back two well-known Victoria radio personalities after they were swept up in this week’s nationwide layoffs.

Rogers Sports & Media announced Tuesday that it was cutting 230 jobs across Canada and closing six radio stations in Vancouver, Calgary, Halifax and Kitchener.

AJ Cruze and Mira Laurence, the longtime morning hosts on Ocean 98.5, were among the employees affected.

For years, the pair helped listeners start their weekday mornings beginning at 6 a.m. with local news, conversation and music. 

Their final show aired Thursday, and according to information shared publicly, they were informed their positions had been eliminated after they signed off, leaving them without the opportunity to say goodbye to listeners.

Now, a Change.org petition is urging Rogers Media to reverse the decision.

Created by Tracey Barry, the petition describes Cruze and Laurence as “beloved figures in the Victoria community” whose morning show had become part of many residents’ daily routines.

“When AJ and Mira are on air, we feel a sense of community. They are not just voices on the radio; they are part of our daily lives, like friends we look forward to catching up with each day,” the petition reads.

It goes on to argue that the duo’s chemistry and connection with local listeners helped make Ocean 98.5’s morning show unique, adding that bringing them back would “restore the station’s unique touch and honour the wishes of countless loyal listeners.”

As of publication, the petition had gathered 58 signatures.

The petition comes in the wake of widespread cuts across Rogers’ radio division. In a statement, Rogers Sports & Media said the decision followed a review of its radio operations.

“After a thorough review of our radio stations, we have made the difficult but necessary decision to close six radio stations in four markets due to declining audience and revenue trends,” said Charmine Khan, a spokesperson for Rogers.

“We 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.”

Victoria Buzz has also asked Rogers to confirm how many positions were eliminated across Vancouver Island but has not yet received a response.

The layoffs began one day after Rogers completed its $4.35-billion purchase of Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment (MLSE), the company that owns the Toronto Maple Leafs, Toronto Raptors, Toronto FC, Toronto Argonauts, Toronto Marlies, Raptors 905, TFC II and Raptors Uprising Gaming Club.

The petition remains open for anyone wishing to support the campaign to bring Cruze and Laurence back to Victoria’s airwaves.