We humans need community to be happy and healthy. Beyond the basics like food, water and shelter, we need to be connected to each other.
It’s a strange time for humanity, however, with many people feeling more divided than ever before. It’s too easy to lose the sense of belonging and community that we humans need.
This is where CKUA comes in. The work of bringing people together, of creating community, has always been utterly fundamental to our mission.
It all started 97 years ago when CKUA first went on the air, in 1927. It was, of course, pre-television, pre-internet, nearly pre-telephone. Communication was hard-won in those days. Then came CKUA. Music, radio dramas, farm reports and university lectures poured forth from people’s radios across Alberta. People were connected to a world beyond their homes in a profound way.
Today, CKUA’s programming would be nearly unrecognizable to early listeners. (Sorry, no more farm reports!) However, we have never stopped working to bring people together.
Part of CKUA’s unique power of connection is that we bridge so many divides. Whoever you are, whatever your age, background or life experience, you are welcome here.
Registered nurse, painter, longtime listener and monthly donor Logan Hynes says the feeling of kinship means a lot to her. “I love CKUA’s sense of community. When you speak to other people who are also big fans of the station, you immediately develop a connection. You know that the person values good quality music and art.” When we gather, we share an experience. CKUA provides that shared experience every minute of every day, adding humanity, connection and joy to our lives.
Calgary artist Michael Matthews understands the power of that. He spent 10 summers working alone in an isolated fire tower.
“I’m convinced it helped preserve my sanity,” he says. “Those days and weeks in the fire tower were made bearable, even pleasant, because of CKUA. I love music and CKUA was there when I needed it.”
Right now, people all across the world are tuning in to CKUA and sharing an experience. They can connect with the hosts in real time, and with each other through our various channels.
“The heart of CKUA has always been about people – the artists who break new ground, the listeners who support them, and the team that brings it all to life,” says CKUA Chief Operating Officer Adam Mitchell. “We’re proof that when a community rallies around a shared love of discovery, incredible things happen.”
And CKUA is always there for its community of listeners. On the air 24/7/365, we cover 95% of the province with 16 FM transmitters. This means 378 communities in Alberta can listen through the FM broadcast. This means 475,000 listeners every month in Alberta, connecting over a shared experience. And of course, our global listeners are joining in as they stream through our website or the app.
Please support the radio in your life. We rely on listeners like you to pay for the programming we create. Your investment in CKUA keeps us on the air, accessible for everybody who needs it.
CKUA’s Fall Fundraiser runs October 18 – 27. Tune in, and support CKUA by donating.
We gratefully acknowledge Alberta Blue Cross for their presenting sponsorship of the 2024 CKUA Fall Fundraiser. Alberta Blue Cross has been supporting Albertans’ health and wellness for over 75 years.
