In 1985, the Alberta government discontinued funding for educational broadcasts. This put CKUA in a tight spot. In 1987 the government almost sold CKUA however, they had to retract that plan due to an overwhelming letter campaign by disgruntled listeners. (Go listeners!!) This year also marks the very first on-air fund drive marking the start of this station being a publicly funded broadcast.
The CKUA Radio Foundation BOUGHT the CKUA Radio Network from ACCESS in 1995. With 3 years of government support, the station was officially it's own entity and officially publicly funded while having the ability to sell on-air advertising. The purchase price: $10 but the CRTC did not approve of this purchase until 1998.
Step into 2017 and offering the province 90 years of programming, CKUA is still here and in a brand new location next to Canada Place across from the Shaw Conference Centre.
Their music library holds over 140 years of melodic history. With over 15 million tracks of CD's, LP's, RPM records, 45's, aluminum transcription discs and other media format
They have a stunning event space a great lobby upon entrance, that has a nice atmosphere.
To see them succeed through all the diversity that has come their way proves just how much Alberta treasures this amazing radio station. They provide an educational, formal, eclectic array of programs for their dedicated listeners to hear.
Jumping into the future and catching up to technology, CKUA can now be heard globally. This could mean a lot more success for this radio station is to be had. I guess we will see what comes of it at their 100 year anniversary party!