CKUA: Radio Worth Fighting For

Julie Rekai Rickerd is a Toronto-based broadcaster and public-relations
consultant.

The “new hot technology” on November 21, 1927, the day CKUA was
born, was radio. CKUA began life at the University of Alberta as a small
music station with a modest but extremely loyal following. Today, it
attracts listeners from around the world via the Internet. Changes in
Alberta’s governments and premiers have often affected the fortunes of
CKUA over the years. The publicly funded station was privatized not too
long ago. Nevertheless, CKUA retains its public radio spirit and
competence, and has earned a reputation as the perfect training facility
for both on-air personalities and behind-the-scenes producers and
technicians. Anecdotes contributed by current and former CKUA staff
members enliven this well-written book, which will be of great interest
to radio fans and Canadian history buffs.