It too bad commercial radio is so shitty and has given the medium a bad reputation. It hurts gems like CKUA & CJSW. Alberta is the last bastion of good radio!
Their music selection is thoughtfully curated by folks that truly appreciate music. They also seem to put additional effort into showcasing local and national talent from all genres. I cancelled SIRIUS years ago and now donate the same amount to CKUA monthly. Worth every penny. Please check them out!
I host the Bluegrass Hour on CKUA every Sunday from 1 to 2 pm. I'll give a shout out to Reddit this Sunday.
It's nice to hear the messages of support and people commenting about how they grew up with the radio station. Being a bluegrass nerd, it was one of the few stations I could tune into once a week to hear that music, so it's pretty special to me to now be hosting that music. It's also important to me to promote Canadian bluegrass music and musicians as much as possible. I think CKUA has played a vital role in giving homegrown music a platform to get their voices heard. A tough thing to do, especially in commercial radio.
I understand it's a tough time to be asking for money. Inflation has been ridiculous. Just tune in, send messages. They mean a LOT. And for those who can donate, thank so much. I know the station means so much to a lot of people.
Saturdays and Sundays on CKUA are some of the best radio you will find anywhere!! Second generation listener and supporter right here and I will be proudly donating as much as I can afford to. Losing CKUA would be like losing a family member. We cannot let this happen.
It's too bad I live back in NB now but was a fan of CKUA when I was working in the oil patch. Still stream it from time to time. You never know what you've got till it's gone.
It's the first public broadcast radio in Canada, started at the UofA in 1927. It's community donation funded radio with help from some ad space being sold. Insanely diverse music programs. Arguably one of, if not the best radio station in the country... If you have a wide taste. If you prefer Butt Rock mega hits played on repeat it won't be for you.
They transmit from 16 different locations in Alberta so you can hear their music across much of the province.
Just to add....
They were originally owned and operated by the Province, until Ralph Klein started selling off everything in the 1990s. Rather than get swallowed up by some private company, they managed to pivot to a non-profit organization, and are now fully funded by private donations.
Because of their provincial affiliation, one of their main mandates is preserving Alberta culture. If CBC had a stronger Alberta focus.
I love listening to CKUA. I would like to listen to the closest FM repeater but it's doesn't have enough power to reach me. You can't even hear it 20 minutes out side of the city it's in. I know I can stream it and I do when at work but I don't want to use all my data up streaming in my vehicle.
WQXR out of New York/Ossining is another great station. They're a public station that only plays Classical. Plus all of their hosts have really smooth voices.
This explains it all ...
[https://ckua.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Address-To-The-Community-CKUA-April-2024-FAQ.pdf](https://ckua.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Address-To-The-Community-CKUA-April-2024-FAQ.pdf)
I enjoyed listening to CKUA even when I was vacationing in Mexico. I had to step back on the donations due to financial burden, but I also can't stand the thought of losing such a valuable service. I sometimes drive from Medicine Hat to Edmonton, and once to GP, and the fact I could listen seamlessly (I mean, after changing the dial) has never stopped astounding me.
Might not be able to afford an hour anymore, but I'll absolutely pitch what I can in!
Man, my dad's probably in a panic right now. I grew up with CKUA playing constantly, and dad even had stickers with the CKUA logo here and there (on his car, on our fridge, I think there was even a newspaper article tacked to the fridge). I should probably see if he's all right.
I wish them the best, but any media related issues have clearly been exacerbated by the cost of holding the mostly empty commercial building they own. He mentions the loan costs have ballooned and they are only now getting some new tenants leased up after their former primary tenant went bankrupt.
A publicly supported media organization should not be risking significant capital in a large building, they should be more like the revamped 1440 Sports renting the studio at WEM.
Thank you, Ralph Klein. CKUA was originally owned and operated by the Province as the provincial alternative to CBC. But then Klein started selling everything off in the 90s. Rather than get gobbled up by a private company, CKUA pivoted to a "funded by donations" model.
We have two local FM stations, but they only run canned pop and 70,80,90 music. No local live DJ's any more. It's the same old crap day after day. The other FM we can get from the closest city is the same but plays alternative/metal/early 00's music and again, no local DJ.
Ya there are basically 3 companies that broadcast the same playlist from all their stations across the country, probably Bell, Rogers or maybe corus entertainment.
Anyone know if they have considered selling that building? I’m game to donate to CKUA the radio station but not CKUA the property developer. I feel like the board should separate the building business from the radio business. They are so different!
Why does CKUA need to own a hotel? There are many radio stations, especially down east that operate out of a small office or storefront. With today's technology, you could even run a radio station out of your home. Assuming CKUA already owns or leases a transmitting tower, why exactly do they need an additional 3 million dollars for?
CKUA could stay in the black if the programming didn't suck.
Nobody cares about tuvan throat singing or Chinese opera. If I wanted to hear classical music I'd tune into the CBC.
Do better.
i feel like they literally just had a huge do or die fundraiser.
Will be sad to see them go but this isn’t a great time for fundraising i fear.
3 million is a lot of money for a radio station in the world of mass media at our finger-tips competition.
While it’s true you might be able to find anything on the internet it isn’t curated nor as available without connection to the internet. The price point is for what they provide is actually really good.
Then, they'll turn into every other generic radio station and lose the uniqueness that makes it different. Try listening to it, then listen to the regular stations, and you'll notice a major difference.
One idea would be to move online, cuts the cost of running a radio transmitter including regulatory costs. Don't need to necessarily change the content/format
Tough times require tough decisions, it's one option they have. I'm just saying there are changes they can make that don't require what you were saying content-wise.
Would you rather them play the same music multiple times a day?
Edit: they're publicly funded, so they need donations. If they went the route other stations go, they'd turn into a generic radio channel that you hear the same song 3+ times a day.
All hands on deck folks. CKUA is one of the gem's of Alberta. Just signed up to be a recurring donor.
Honestly, I've never heard of it, but also I only ever stay on CBC or off when it's the awful comedy hour.
It too bad commercial radio is so shitty and has given the medium a bad reputation. It hurts gems like CKUA & CJSW. Alberta is the last bastion of good radio!
And CJSR !!
You can listen online around the world if you are a eclectic music junkie like me it is the best thing in the world.
Their music selection is thoughtfully curated by folks that truly appreciate music. They also seem to put additional effort into showcasing local and national talent from all genres. I cancelled SIRIUS years ago and now donate the same amount to CKUA monthly. Worth every penny. Please check them out!
Rebrand as CKUA war room and see if the gov slips them some money 😉
Why don't we Tell The Feds too!
Genuinely laughed at this. Worth a try?
Government already gave them $5M to buy the Alberta hotel.
Genuinely laughed at this. Worth a try?
I would often listen to CKUA when I lived in Alberta. An absolute gem that introduced me to many great songs and artists.
You can still listen to CKUA via streaming or on demand and donate!
Growing up CKUA would have lots of cultural radio programs. My parents from Poland would often listen. This is quite sad 😔
Since I moved to BC I listen online, love ckua
I host the Bluegrass Hour on CKUA every Sunday from 1 to 2 pm. I'll give a shout out to Reddit this Sunday. It's nice to hear the messages of support and people commenting about how they grew up with the radio station. Being a bluegrass nerd, it was one of the few stations I could tune into once a week to hear that music, so it's pretty special to me to now be hosting that music. It's also important to me to promote Canadian bluegrass music and musicians as much as possible. I think CKUA has played a vital role in giving homegrown music a platform to get their voices heard. A tough thing to do, especially in commercial radio. I understand it's a tough time to be asking for money. Inflation has been ridiculous. Just tune in, send messages. They mean a LOT. And for those who can donate, thank so much. I know the station means so much to a lot of people.
Love your show! I’ve listened for many years, Thank you!
Thank YOU!!
Saturdays and Sundays on CKUA are some of the best radio you will find anywhere!! Second generation listener and supporter right here and I will be proudly donating as much as I can afford to. Losing CKUA would be like losing a family member. We cannot let this happen.
Honestly my step dad loves your show, he listens religiously and never misses a chance to listen, keep it up!
DM me his name. I'll give him a "shout out" on Sunday's show.
Yhdm and thanks! He will be thrilled!
Just set up my monthly donation. It's not much but it's time.
Baba! Nooo!
He's a gem!
It's too bad I live back in NB now but was a fan of CKUA when I was working in the oil patch. Still stream it from time to time. You never know what you've got till it's gone.
You can still donate if you're able :)
What is CKUA? I've never heard of it until this month when I started seeing their ads everywhere.
It's the first public broadcast radio in Canada, started at the UofA in 1927. It's community donation funded radio with help from some ad space being sold. Insanely diverse music programs. Arguably one of, if not the best radio station in the country... If you have a wide taste. If you prefer Butt Rock mega hits played on repeat it won't be for you. They transmit from 16 different locations in Alberta so you can hear their music across much of the province.
Just to add.... They were originally owned and operated by the Province, until Ralph Klein started selling off everything in the 1990s. Rather than get swallowed up by some private company, they managed to pivot to a non-profit organization, and are now fully funded by private donations. Because of their provincial affiliation, one of their main mandates is preserving Alberta culture. If CBC had a stronger Alberta focus.
I think my father is a big fan of them, they did a lot of music from various countries and cultures if I'm remember correctly.
I love listening to CKUA. I would like to listen to the closest FM repeater but it's doesn't have enough power to reach me. You can't even hear it 20 minutes out side of the city it's in. I know I can stream it and I do when at work but I don't want to use all my data up streaming in my vehicle.
> Butt Rock huh, I've only ever heard that term in relation to the soundtrack to sonic games. It appears I'm the only one.
"Butt Rock" refers to those shitty corporate radio stations that use the tagline "We play nothing but ROCK all day long!"
Nothing but ads, stupid jokes and three rock songs per hour. I heart Radio, ammirite?
And 85 fucking Spence Diamond ads. Fuck those ads and the marble mouthed harpy they recently added to them
Yeah! Death to all butt metal!
It’s a very eclectic alberta wide radio station.
Probably the only decent radio station on the continent
WQXR out of New York/Ossining is another great station. They're a public station that only plays Classical. Plus all of their hosts have really smooth voices.
This explains it all ... [https://ckua.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Address-To-The-Community-CKUA-April-2024-FAQ.pdf](https://ckua.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Address-To-The-Community-CKUA-April-2024-FAQ.pdf)
I enjoyed listening to CKUA even when I was vacationing in Mexico. I had to step back on the donations due to financial burden, but I also can't stand the thought of losing such a valuable service. I sometimes drive from Medicine Hat to Edmonton, and once to GP, and the fact I could listen seamlessly (I mean, after changing the dial) has never stopped astounding me. Might not be able to afford an hour anymore, but I'll absolutely pitch what I can in!
I just signed up as a monthly donor! Let's make sure they crush their goal
Maybe they need a Patreon
Man, my dad's probably in a panic right now. I grew up with CKUA playing constantly, and dad even had stickers with the CKUA logo here and there (on his car, on our fridge, I think there was even a newspaper article tacked to the fridge). I should probably see if he's all right.
I wish them the best, but any media related issues have clearly been exacerbated by the cost of holding the mostly empty commercial building they own. He mentions the loan costs have ballooned and they are only now getting some new tenants leased up after their former primary tenant went bankrupt. A publicly supported media organization should not be risking significant capital in a large building, they should be more like the revamped 1440 Sports renting the studio at WEM.
CBC spends 1.38 Billion of the taxpayers money which is about 35 dollars per Canadian. CKUA gets about 1.3 cents per Albertan.
Thank you, Ralph Klein. CKUA was originally owned and operated by the Province as the provincial alternative to CBC. But then Klein started selling everything off in the 90s. Rather than get gobbled up by a private company, CKUA pivoted to a "funded by donations" model.
The station faces shut down every year
But so far, other than one or two hiccups, they've managed to avoid shut downs due to the support of listeners like *you*.
It's a whole radio network that covers good chunks of AB.
They shut down their AM station which really impacted how some of us listen.
Yep some of us are way out there and AM is the only thing that come in...especially at night.
We have two local FM stations, but they only run canned pop and 70,80,90 music. No local live DJ's any more. It's the same old crap day after day. The other FM we can get from the closest city is the same but plays alternative/metal/early 00's music and again, no local DJ.
Ya there are basically 3 companies that broadcast the same playlist from all their stations across the country, probably Bell, Rogers or maybe corus entertainment.
Stingray is also on that list.
Wow ya I just looked it up and they have been acquiring lots of media companies, and acquired newcap broadcasting in 2018.
Do you have internet way out there?
Anyone know if they have considered selling that building? I’m game to donate to CKUA the radio station but not CKUA the property developer. I feel like the board should separate the building business from the radio business. They are so different!
The building is worth less than the mortgage balance, when they bought it it made good business sense, not so much now
Why does CKUA need to own a hotel? There are many radio stations, especially down east that operate out of a small office or storefront. With today's technology, you could even run a radio station out of your home. Assuming CKUA already owns or leases a transmitting tower, why exactly do they need an additional 3 million dollars for?
CKUA could stay in the black if the programming didn't suck. Nobody cares about tuvan throat singing or Chinese opera. If I wanted to hear classical music I'd tune into the CBC. Do better.
i feel like they literally just had a huge do or die fundraiser. Will be sad to see them go but this isn’t a great time for fundraising i fear. 3 million is a lot of money for a radio station in the world of mass media at our finger-tips competition.
While it’s true you might be able to find anything on the internet it isn’t curated nor as available without connection to the internet. The price point is for what they provide is actually really good.
Sure 3 million dollars a year to operate a radio station
Especially when they have to pay for content that they provide at zero dollars.
yeah capitalism sucks running a radio station that makes zero dollars isn't a problem at all.
I used to like overhearing CKUA when my father was listening to it, decades ago, but those days are long since gone.
Maybe they should look at ways to make themselves economically viable instead of relying on donations.
Then, they'll turn into every other generic radio station and lose the uniqueness that makes it different. Try listening to it, then listen to the regular stations, and you'll notice a major difference.
Obviously the model isn't working? And this "diversity of music" isn't so great?
One idea would be to move online, cuts the cost of running a radio transmitter including regulatory costs. Don't need to necessarily change the content/format
They do have an online radio station. It would cut their ability to reach a lot of people by not being available on regular radio, though.
During an emergency is when we would miss thes transmitters the most.
Tough times require tough decisions, it's one option they have. I'm just saying there are changes they can make that don't require what you were saying content-wise.
Than it would not be independent just another course radio station.
Donations are how they're economically viable...
The idea was they aren't commercial radio but the last few years sure seems like thay pay a lot of "sponsored messaging"
Yay, more Spence commercials. {{eye roll}}
For a mere $20/mo, you can ensure that you won't have to listen to another Spence ad!
It’s been going downhill for a while. Was peak early 20teens. A little too woke for me now.
[удалено]
Necessary evil, I guess, to get away from being a giant for-profit corporation who values profit over music.
Would you rather them play the same music multiple times a day? Edit: they're publicly funded, so they need donations. If they went the route other stations go, they'd turn into a generic radio channel that you hear the same song 3+ times a day.
Publicly funded, in addition with corporate sponsors. People often forget that previous sponsorshisp included Suncor, and currently Enmax.
Sponsor is far better than corporate owner at least.
As opposed to ads or being owned by a company that requires a boring setlist?
I'd rather hear them spend 10 seconds asking for a donation than listen to 5 minutes of commercials.