What’s a parent to do when a teachers’ strike means that school-aged children are suddenly home all day? For a bunch of Edmonton families, the answer is, “Bring them to CKUA!”
The idea originated with Alberta Morning host Grant Stovel. “With kids at loose ends — and some parents no doubt at wit’s end — we figured it’d be fun and at least quasi-educational to round up a bunch of kids from the neighbourhood where I live and bring them to the CKUA magic factory,” says Stovel.
For those who may not know it, CKUA’s home in downtown Edmonton is the Alberta Hotel, a 1903 building that has been preserved in some ways and modernized in others. Its studios, library, and gathering places are often the site of tours for students and community groups.
“It’s an institution of great cultural and historical interest, both as a rebuilt century-old building, and as a nearly century-old broadcaster,” says Stovel.
Last week, about a dozen children had a tour that was led by Stovel and by Laurie Iverson, CKUA’s Manager of Events and Volunteers. “It felt good to offer kids and parents a little outing to learn about radio and the history of CKUA, and how music has been recorded over the years,” says Iverson. She adds that giving kids snacks and the opportunity to run around the rooftop terrace (FAB) were also highlights.
Recording an audio clip and a station ID in the studio also proved popular. Says Iverson, “Thanks to all the staff who showed the kids the cool things we get to do at CKUA!”
The students even went into the sound booth to record a Fall Fundraiser cheer. Listen to the recording:
One of the students in the group was Brendan Whelan, a ten-year-old who’s in Grade 5. He said he enjoyed seeing what the inside of a radio station looked like, especially the library. One of the library’s enduring attractions is a model of the old CKUA building that lights up on the inside, and that was a hit with Whelan and the whole group. “I also liked the view from the rooftop terrace, and doing live voicing was super fun,” says Whelan.
The kids asked wonderfully interesting questions, notes Stovel. “Whenever I get to see CKUA afresh through the eyes of a newcomer or a child, it reaffirms just how magical radio and CKUA truly are — the music, the history, the technology, and the basic human connection that’s at the heart of it all.”
Everything we do at CKUA—including community tours—is possible because of donations from listeners like you. Our Fall Fundraiser is on now, and we’d love to receive your donation today. Go to ckua.com/keepthebeat to pledge your support.
