CKUA Radio Foundation

The CKUA Radio Foundation is a Canadian nonprofit organization and Alberta-based media entity recognized as Canada’s first public and educational broadcaster, founded in 1927. It operates as a donor-supported broadcaster dedicated to inspiring and connecting a global community of music, arts, and culture enthusiasts through radio broadcast, online programming, and in-person events.

History and Background

CKUA holds the distinction of being Canada’s oldest public broadcaster. Since its inception, it has grown from a small, low-wattage radio station in a single room to a multifaceted media organization. The foundation operates CKUA Radio, which remains a prominent cultural institution within Alberta, broadcasting across 16 FM frequencies and via digital platforms including its website and mobile app.

Mission and Vision

The CKUA Radio Foundation is committed to building and connecting a global community around music, arts, and culture. Its vision is to create a better world through the power of creative expression, and it emphasizes musical discovery by showcasing exceptional work from Alberta and beyond. Its mission includes fostering connection and creative exploration through professional and varied programming, reaching audiences around the clock throughout the year.

Programming and Content

CKUA Radio offers diverse programming that features multiple genres including country, classical, jazz, bluegrass, reggae, hip hop, dance, and rock. The station is noted for thoughtful, professional programming that includes over 200 interviews annually with musicians, visual artists, filmmakers, writers, festival producers, choreographers, and actors. A highlighted program is "Festival Radio," which features music from Alberta festivals during the summer months.

In August 2022, the foundation launched CKUA OnDemand, enabling listeners to access programs online at their convenience, an initiative supported by an anonymous benefactor.

Community and Cultural Engagement

The organization acknowledges its operation on Treaty 6, 7, and 8 territories and is engaged in promoting reconciliation and honoring Indigenous histories and cultures. CKUA actively connects with its community through volunteer opportunities, fundraising initiatives, and special events, fostering a vibrant network of culture enthusiasts.

Governance

The CKUA Radio Foundation is governed by a board of directors representing various regions across Alberta, ensuring the foundation serves its community effectively and sustainably.

Impact and Recognition

As of recent assessments, CKUA Radio Foundation holds a 3-star charity rating in Canada, with an average results reporting grade, reflecting its effective use of donated funds where approximately 66 cents of every donated dollar go directly to its cause. CKUA is also one of the top radio stations in Edmonton by listenership.

Charitable Status

The organization is registered with Canadian charitable business registration number 118776830RR0001.

This summary encapsulates CKUA Radio Foundation’s historic role, cultural mission, diverse programming, and community engagement as a pioneering nonprofit broadcaster in Canada.

[1] https://ckua.com/our-story/ [2] https://ckua.com/our-story/foundation-and-board-2/ [3] https://www.charityintelligence.ca/charity-details/411-ckua-radio-foundation [4] https://ecf.ca/funds/ckua-radio-foundation-fund/ [5] https://ckua.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/CKUA_Report-to-the-Community__2122.pdf