On November 14, 1975, Canadian radio history was made. When the strains of Joni Mitchell’s “You Turn Me On, I’m a Radio” transmitted over the airwaves at 93.1 FM, CKCU-FM became the first campus-based community radio station in the country.
Since then CKCU-FM had strived to amplify, connect and champion access to broadcast media for communities from beyond the mainstream in Ottawa / Gatineau. A constant source of alternative music, spoken word, and news content; broadcasting 24 hours a day, 7 days a week from Carleton University. Volunteer powered, local, and independent.
CKCU-FM is a registered charity funded by individual donors of the Ottawa / Gatineau community, the students of Carleton University, and by program sponsorships. CKCU-FM is licensed by the CRTC as a community-based campus radio station, one of the first with that designation in the country. Despite being connected to Carleton University, CKCU-FM is an independent organization. An Executive Director reports directly to a Board of Directors that is comprised of both members of the university and the community and governed by a set of bylaws. As CKCU-FM moves towards 50 years as a broadcaster in 2025, the organization will continue to grow with its communities and expand the impact of local independent voices + music through our broadcast platform and other charitable activities.