April 27 – May 3, 2025 is National Volunteer Week in Canada, and this year’s theme is “Volunteers Make Waves.”
How appropriate, then, that we are celebrating a CKUA volunteer who literally makes sure that the sound waves reach the people! Bob Cromwell monitors the Drumheller transmitter tower site. He’s been a volunteer since 2014, and says, “My attraction to CKUA goes back to the early 70s. I have seen the struggles and the rebirth of CKUA.”
A background in economic development and television/media made him a perfect fit to promote CKUA when he first moved to Drumheller. “I knew the importance of arts and culture, and the basic foundations of community. We have a little music festival here called East Coulee Spring Fest, and one year Andy Donnelly came and hosted his show from here, on a Friday night.”
“Andy and I connected,” says Cromwell. They discussed how much artistic talent comes from rural towns, and how many artists enjoy playing those same towns. That conversation led to UK singer-songwriter Adrian Nation playing a series of concerts in Alberta, including at the Last Chance Saloon in Wayne, Alberta.
That whole experience helped Cromwell understand the power of good music happening at the local level, and the role CKUA can play in facilitating and promoting that. Later, when there was a need for someone local to look after the Drumheller tower site, Cromwell stepped up. “I just took it over because I had some technical knowledge, coming from television. That’s how it started.”
He adds that to be a tower monitor is unlike other roles filled by volunteers at CKUA. “These tower guys,” he laughs. “There’s no paved or ploughed way to get to where these transmitters are. They’re in fields. Around here, they’re among the coulees and the hills. So It can be difficult to get to the tower. You may have to hike in.”
When he’s on site, Cromwell checks the technology. “It’s all about the signals,” he says. “Power supply, satellite, the incoming and outgoing signals. And of course, the efficiency of the equipment itself.”
He mentions Gerome Maloloy-on as one of the CKUA broadcast technicians he chats with often. “There’s communication between the techs in Edmonton and all of the individual sites.”
Most transmitter sites have a little hut or building at the base of the tower, and Cromwell says, “CKUA leases up with an existing tower where a company has a shack. It might be heated, or even air-conditioned. Once you’re there, you’re pretty secure, and you can work there all day or night. It’s often getting to it that’s tricky.”
Cromwell tells the story about how one trip to the transmitter site was particularly challenging. “The tower in Drumheller is on an area they call Mother Mountain. The area we lease is owned by a cattle breeder. They are big cows, bred for Alberta weather. When I got out there, I saw giant cow pies, frozen boulders. It took me about 45 minutes to drive in. Who would have thought this could be an issue in servicing a radio tower!”
When we thank Cromwell for being a CKUA volunteer, he says, “It’s my absolute honour. I truly believe in everything they do. It’s not just about a radio broadcast. This is what elevates budding artists. This is how they get discovered. Small, rural communities still want to display their artistry, and CKUA enables that. I appreciate CKUA over the years, for all they do.”
Thank you, Bob, for the time and expertise you offer as a CKUA volunteer. The town of Drumheller may be most impacted by your work, but it elevates the whole CKUA community.
CKUA is donor-supported radio. Donors make technology upgrades and equipment maintenance possible, around the province and around the world. Donate today to keep the signal strong!
Park Power
