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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 - Original Radio.
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