CKUA fundraises $1.1M to stay on the air but says 'it's not over'
CKUA Radio launched its spring fundraising campaign Friday morning in an effort to prevent shutting its doors for good.
The 96-year-old broadcaster will have two special live-broadcasts from the Alberta Hotel located at 9804 Jasper Avenue. Friday's fundraiser ran from 7 a.m. to 12 p.m. with a musical performance by The Brasstactics and Saturday's event will run from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
With more than 5,000 contributions, CKUA and Albertans have raised $1.1 million so far, surpassing the original goal of $775,000 for the event. The radio station needs to raise $3 million by the end of September in order to stay on the air.
"The outpouring of support, donations and just well wishes has been beyond imaginable," said Marc Carnes, CEO of CKUA. "One of my staff members says it's like the world's biggest group hug."
"But it’s not over, and we’re not where we need to be yet."
On April 17, Carnes addressed the public regarding the future of the radio station. Carnes stated that the combined forces of inflation, the state of Edmonton's downtown office real estate market and post-pandemic realities have all contributed to the financial woes for the company.
CKUA will continue fundraising during another special live-broadcast on Saturday for an edition of 'Natch’l Blues Live' with hosts Holger Peterson and Cam Hayden. There will be brisket sandwiches and hoagies available to purchase at the event.
"We're a community. We're connected across the miles, digitally and through terrestrial radio," said Carnes. "That connection between our hosts and musicians and the people who listen and support us, it's so powerful."
CKUA was owned by the Alberta government in the 1940's as part of the Access Education Network but was decommissioned in 1997 overnight. Luckily through donations from the public, they were able to make a comeback six weeks later.
CKUA's spring fundraising event runs until Sunday, April 28 and you can donate to the cause by clicking the link.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
A 'tragedy that can't be measured': North Bay's forever chemical problem is also the rest of Canada's
For decades, North Bay, Ontario's water supply has harboured chemicals associated with liver and developmental issues, cancer and complications with pregnancy. It's far from the only city with that problem.
opinion How to use your credit card as a powerful wealth-building tool
Irresponsibly using a credit card can land you in financial trouble, but personal finance columnist Christopher Liew says when used properly, it can be a powerful wealth-building tool that can help grow your credit profile and create new opportunities.
WATCH Dashcam video shows terrifying near-miss on two-lane northern Ontario highway
There were some scary moments for several people on a northern Ontario highway caught on video Thursday after a chain reaction following a truck fire.
Which Canadian cities have the highest and lowest grocery prices?
Where you live plays a big factor in what you pay at the grocery store. And while it's no secret the same item may have a different price depending on the store, city or province, we wanted to see just how big the differences are, and why.
Here's what 'the hinge' move is, how to do it correctly
When you're picking something up from the floor or bending over to tie your shoe laces, you're performing "the hinge move," according to movement trainers.
Tips to make a house or apartment safe and accessible for older adults living at home
Here's a summary of tips from the U.S. National Institute on Aging and AARP, which offers a free room-by-room guide with practical suggestions for older adults living independently.
Average hourly wage in Canada now $34.95: StatCan
Average hourly wages among Canadian employees rose to $34.95 on a year-over-year basis in April, a 4.7 per cent increase, according to a Statistics Canada report released Friday morning.
'I may have some nightmares:' Man survives being bitten by 2 sharks in Bahamas
A man who was bitten by two sharks in the Bahamas said Thursday he's 'thankful that I'm here' while sharing his story of survival.
Barron Trump declines to serve as an RNC delegate
Former U.S. President Donald Trump's youngest son, Barron Trump, has declined to serve as a delegate at this summer’s Republican National Convention, according to a senior Trump campaign adviser and a statement from Melania Trump's office.