For 79 years, the CKUA Radio Network has delivered unique programming to Alberta’s radio waves.

It began in 1927 with a dream: to take the University to the people via the new medium of radio. With a couple of the University of Alberta’s engineering students, 2 windmill towers, some old iron poles and a little creative book-keeping, a $700 grant was transformed into Canada’s first public broadcaster. The CKUA Radio Network signed on November 21st, 1927, with a 500-watt signal.

On May 23rd, 1929, the 1st Canadian school broadcast was made from CKUA, fulfilling the original goal set 2 years prior, and starting a tradition of excellence in distance education that continues today through CKUA’s relationship with Athabasca University.

Since its inception, CKUA has lived in a climate of change. In 1945 AGT began operating CKUA and moved the station from the University campus to downtown Edmonton. CKUA went on air in 1948 with Alberta’s first FM station. ACCESS assumed ownership of CKUA in 1974 and the construction of transmitters in Calgary and Lethbridge soon followed. CKUA’s unique sound had begun to resonate across Alberta’s airwaves. CKUA was privatized in 1994, subsequently, a combination of commercials, corporate sponsorships and listener donations still fund the station’s day to day operating costs.

Presently, CKUA AM-FM is capable of reaching 85 percent of Albertans through 17 transmitters across the province and around the globe via the World Wide Web. CKUA remains steadfast in its commitment to offer exposure to Alberta musicians, writers and performers, and to enrich the arts and cultural life of the province. Over 40 programs are featured on CKUA spanning many music genres and topic areas.

CKUA, together with the support of the business community and our devoted listeners and volunteers, continues to face and overcome obstacles and challenges. We are proud to continue to offer quality programming, developing roots across Alberta and the world.

Since the first days of broadcasting, some of Alberta’s finest personalities and musicians have stood on the shoulders of CKUA and reached for the stars. Great names in radio who have made their debut on CKUA include Art Ward, Bryan Hall, Robert Goulet, Joni Mitchell, Amos Garrett, k.d. lang, Jann Arden, Oscar Lopez, P.J Perry and Tommy Banks.

CKUA continues to contribute to Canadian Broadcasting with an eclectic array of entertainment and information. Comprehensive coverage of Alberta’s arts and culture community, provocative public affairs and news programs, a massive music library and passionate, knowledgeable announcers make CKUA’s programming unique across the globe.

Over the past 7 decades, CKUA has had the privilege of offering music ranging from classical, jazz, folk, blues and world beat. CKUA has shared many firsts with the province of Alberta including, the first Western Canada football play by play in 1928, the first Edmonton outlet for a national network broadcast in 1930, and the first station in Alberta with FM Technology. It is with this pioneering spirit that we approach the years and broadcasts yet to come.

CKUA RADIO - As Unique As You Are.