Caribbean Reacts as Digicel Pulls Plug on Loop News and SportsMax
Castries, St Lucia – Digicel Group has officially ended operations of its popular digital platform Loop News and announced the planned closure of SportsMax, its regional sports network, as the company shifts its focus toward enterprise technology services.
According to a statement issued by Digicel, SportsMax will cease broadcasting on August 8. The decision forms part of a broader strategy to exit consumer-facing media and accelerate investments in digital transformation, cybersecurity, and cloud services through subsidiaries such as Trend Media and Symptai Consulting.
Loop News, which launched in 2014, published a final message to readers across the Caribbean on July 8. “After 11 years of proudly serving the Caribbean as a trusted media partner, Loop News is today announcing the end of our operations,” the farewell statement read.
Digicel expressed pride in the impact Loop News achieved over the years, noting the brand’s role in building a strong community of readers and viewers. “As we reflect on over a decade of journalism and community impact, we are deeply grateful for the relationships we have built and the stories we have told,” the company added.
The closure of Loop marks the end of one of the region’s most recognized online news outlets, known for its timely reporting and mobile-first news delivery. Its shutdown is expected to leave a noticeable gap in digital media across St Lucia and the wider Caribbean.
SportsMax, founded in 2002, became a regional leader in sports broadcasting, carrying rights for major leagues and tournaments while developing local sports journalism talent. Digicel’s decision to close the network signals a significant departure from its former multi-platform media model.
The company said that employees affected by the closures across the Caribbean have been notified and will be supported in accordance with labor laws. According to reporting by the Trinidad Guardian, approximately 100 jobs have been impacted region-wide. The Caribbean National Weekly also confirmed this report.
Digicel emphasized that the strategic pivot is aimed at growing its business-focused services, which it describes as critical to supporting digital innovation in both private and public sectors.
This development comes amid a broader trend of media consolidation and restructuring, as telecom companies reallocate resources to higher-growth technology services. For St Lucia, the exit of Loop News and SportsMax may accelerate the evolution of alternative platforms as audiences seek new sources for news and sports content.
Loop News closed its final statement with a simple message that resonated across its readership: “Walk good.”
For more trusted reporting on regional developments, digital media, and Caribbean business trends, visit Unitedpac St Lucia News.
