Independent Media Matters. Now More Than Ever

The incredible CKCU FM family at the 50th anniversary. Everyone is standing in the starwell at Carleton University — _{^{© Erik Stolpmann / CKCU 93.1 FM}}

Amid reports about the University of Ottawa’s campus community radio station, CHUO, and its uncertain future, we are reminded of a simple truth: when local media vanishes, we all lose.

Independent media plays a critical role in our communities. It reflects our voices, languages, cultures, and experiences. It brings neighbours closer, builds empathy, and strengthens civic life. At CKCU, we have seen this firsthand for more than 50 years, and we see it in the work of others, too. Ottawa-Gatineau is home to a vibrant ecosystem of independent outlets: Apartment 613, The Charlatan, The Low Down to Hull and Back News, Centretown BUZZ, Unique FM, and so many more that inform, entertain, and connect us.

These organizations are not just content creators and curators. They are cultural infrastructure, as essential to community life as libraries, schools, and public transit. And like all infrastructure, they need investment, care, and commitment to thrive.

We know that the media landscape in Canada is under severe strain. Rising costs, shrinking revenues, and concentrated ownership are eroding the diversity and depth of information available to the public. Local media, in particular, are at risk, and the consequences ripple far beyond the newsroom. Trust in information declines. Fewer people vote, show up to community events, volunteer, or speak out on local issues. Communities become more disconnected from each other, from local culture, and from the decisions that affect their lives. In this age of fast-moving technology, when so much is uncertain, the need for human connection matters more than ever.

CKCU counters that. As a listener-supported station powered by volunteers and guided by the public interest, we have always believed in the power of community. We still do. And now is the time to strengthen, not shrink, the spaces where local voices can be heard.

To the staff, volunteers, and supporters of all local outlets: we see you, we stand with you, and we know what your work means to the fabric of our city. Independent media is not a luxury. It is a necessity, and we must treat it that way.

CKCU is entering its next 50 years with purpose, to help ensure community media not only survives, but thrives across Ottawa-Gatineau and beyond.

Wherever you are, take a moment to support the independent media that brings your community to life. Tune into your local station. Turn on community TV. Subscribe to a podcast made by your local high school. Read your neighbourhood paper. Share their stories. Show up. Because when local media survives, communities thrive.

CKCU passes 2025 funding goal. Thank you!

A sign that says 'Independent Media Matters' for CKCU's 2025 Funding Drive. You can donate at www.ckcufm.com/donate

CKCU has officially passed its 2025 Funding Drive goal, raising $194,686.10 (and still climbing) with support from listeners, donors, volunteers and community members across Ottawa and beyond.

Thank you.

Every donation, every share and every show of support helped get us here.

This campaign was a reminder of how much CKCU matters to people who value independent media.

What your support makes possible

Because of you, CKCU can keep doing what it does best: making space for local voices, new perspectives and storytelling.

Your donations help:

Keep independent, community-powered media free and accessible.
Share local and community news that keeps people informed and connected.
Offer a platform for new, emerging and underrepresented voices.
Provide hands-on training and creative opportunities.
Support a stronger future for independent media in Ottawa and beyond.

The funding drive helps CKCU continue to grow as a trusted source for community-powered media. It supports programming, local news, outreach and opportunities for learning and participation.

The stories we heard
Throughout the campaign, people shared how CKCU has made a difference in their lives. From learning to host a show, to discovering music and culture, to finding a sense of belonging, these stories reflect the lasting impact of community-powered media.

The drive remains open until December 3, so there’s still time to give if you haven’t yet.

If you’ve already donated and want to do more, consider increasing your gift or switching to a monthly donation. Monthly support helps us plan and keep CKCU strong all year.

Fifty years in, we’re still growing, still learning and still community-powered. Thanks for being part of it.

CKCU x FemmeVox Live Off The Floor November session

This month Live Off The Floor is a collaboration with FemmeVox featuring Naviger, Tara Holloway, and Chelsea June. The FemmeVox concert series features established and emerging women singer-songwriters who work together in pairs to write brand new compositions to premiere at each concert.

Naviger is the musical project of Ottawa songwriter Andrea Simms-Karp. Blending folk and pop, joy and melancholy, her songs will wrap you up in a blanket before sending you back out into the night.

Tara Holloway is a singer-songwriter musician based in Ottawa. Tara’s voice delivers a powerful punch with it’s raw, soulful and weathered sound.

Chelsey June is an award-winning bilingual artist, storyteller, and advocate for healing through creativity. With over 50 award wins and nominations from her previous project, including multiple Canadian Folk Music Awards, as a solo artist, she uses her voice to bridge worlds and uplift others through music, culture, and connection.

Still the Mighty: CKCU turns 50 with first vinyl release

CKCU FM is turning 50 this year and, to mark the milestone, we’re trying something new: our first compilation album on vinyl.

Still the Mighty – Celebrating 50 Years of CKCU 93.1 FM brings together a collection of original tracks from artists in the Ottawa music scene, many of whom have long-standing ties to the station.

To launch the record, we hosted a special event on Thursday, November 27, at Ollie’s Pub in the Nideyinàn Building (downstairs from the station) at Carleton University.

This record is a snapshot of the voices and sounds that have shaped CKCU over the years.

The record features artists like:

The Atomic Tempunauts
Tara Holloway & Naviger
LH Express
James Leclaire
Slo’ Tom & The Handsome Devils
Sleep Late

You can buy the record at independent record stores across Ottawa, by emailing info@ckcufm.com, or buy a digital version of it on Bandcamp.

If you’ve ever tuned in, volunteered, performed or been part of the CKCU story, we hope you’ll pick up a copy!

City of Ottawa proclaims Nov. 15 as “CKCU 93.1 FM” Day

A picture that says CKCU 93.1 FM Day. Celebrating 50 years

The City of Ottawa has officially proclaimed November 15, 2025 as “CKCU 93.1 FM Day”, recognizing the 50th anniversary of one of Canada’s most enduring independent media organizations.

Founded in 1975 as the country’s first campus-based FM radio station, CKCU has spent five decades serving Ottawa-Gatineau with community-driven news, music and storytelling in more than 10 languages.

“Volunteering at CKCU was one of the first ways I got involved in Ottawa’s broadcast community,” explained Mark Sutcliffe, Mayor, City of Ottawa. “I learned a lot, met incredible people, and felt a real connection to this city.

Fifty years later, CKCU is still giving back to the community, sharing stories, and supporting artists and future broadcasters. Today, we celebrate all that CKCU has done for our community and the role it continues to play in bringing great programming to Ottawa.”

The proclamation recognizes CKCU’s fifty years of service to the city by giving a voice to a wide range of communities, creating some of Canada’s longest-running radio programs, operating radio camps for youth, and supporting the careers of countless artists and future broadcasters. “CKCU 93.1 FM Day” is a time to reflect on what community means across the city and to recognize how local voices, shared stories, and grassroots media strengthen civic life.

“We are deeply honoured to receive this recognition,” said Lia Kiessling, Station Director. “CKCU 93.1 FM Day is more than a celebration of one station. It is a chance to recognize the value of independent media and what it makes possible: connection, participation, and shared understanding. Community media matters because it puts people first and helps build the kind of trust and belonging that every city needs.”

Mayor Mark Sutcliffe is set to deliver the official proclamation shortly after 7 p.m. at CKCU’s Dinner and Celebration on Saturday at Ollie’s Pub and Patio in Carleton University’s Nideyinàn building. The evening will feature speeches, memorabilia, and music.

CKCU’s 50th anniversary celebrations continue through the year, with special programming, public events and community storytelling that honour the station’s legacy and invite people to shape its future.

Support CKCU’s Next 50 Years

CKCU has been a trusted voice in the Ottawa-Gatineau community for five decades — and we’re just getting started. If you believe in the power of local stories, independent media, and community connection, we invite you to support our work.

💛 Make a donation today

Final Push! Help Us Hit the Goal and Win Festival Passes + CKCU Merch

A picture of a mouth saying Independent Media Matters

We are close to the finish line, and you can help us get there. CKCU’s 2025 funding drive has been incredible so far, and with your support, we can reach our goal and finish strong.

CKCU is powered by the people. Listener donations keep us independent, volunteer-driven and rooted in Ottawa–Gatineau. Every gift matters. This station belongs to all of us.

Donate $93.10 or more to enter our grand prize draw.

As a thank-you, everyone who donates $93.10 or more will be entered into our grand prize draw. Already donated that amount? You are in. Not quite there yet? You can top up your donation and still qualify.

The grand prize includes:

* Two full passes to either Ottawa Bluesfest, CityFolk or the Ottawa Jazz Festival. First one to enter gets first choice!

* A bundle of CKCU merchandise

It is our way of saying thanks for supporting independent media. These are e-tickets.

Limited giveaways (office pick-up only)

Available while supplies last:
* 10 people will win 1 sticker pack each for donations of $10
* 10 people will win 1 mug each for donations of $20
* 20 people will win 1 toque each (it’s winter!) for donations of $20
Items can be picked up at the station during office hours.

How to donate

Visit CKCU’s Canada Helps Page to make your donation. You can support your favourite show or give directly to CKCU

Let’s finish this drive together and keep independent radio strong.

Last Days of CKCU Funding Drive – Let’s Gooo!

CKCU’s 2025 Funding Drive is on now. Our goal is $193,100.

We’re 85% there!

LET’S KEEP GOING!

When you donate to CKCU, you’re helping keep independent media alive in a time when it’s disappearing across Canada. You’re supporting local music, community voices and stories that reflect real life.

But more than that, you’re helping build something deeper. Local media helps us know our neighbours. And when we know each other, we can trust each other. That’s how we build stronger communities and a stronger democracy.

CKCU has done this work for 50 years. With your help, we’ll keep going. Please give today.

CKCU’s 2025 Funding Drive is happening!

The CKCU 2025 Funding Drive kicks off today, October 24th, and we’re celebrating our 50th year of broadcasting with a fundraising goal of $193,100!

CKCU is not only a community radio station — we’re a leader and advocate for independent and community media near and far. For 50 years, we have been on the FM airwaves as Canada’s first campus-community station. This history shows the power that we have as a community media organization to last, adapt, and thrive. It has given us vast experience and positioned us a leader and proud community broadcaster.

When you support CKCU, it’s not only about sustaining us as a station. It’s beyond that — it’s about standing with fellow independent media groups in community radio, community TV, and other digital networks and independent platforms to show that independent media matters everywhere.

CKCU is a place for a variety of voices and music, creativity, learning and growth, and community connection. It’s free, accessible, and powered by people.

We would love for you to support CKCU and what we do, and join us in celebrating 50 years of broadcasting and independent media!

October’s Live Off The Floor session

Things heat up with Dystoh and Trevor Walker as they deliver Afro and Latin inspired jams on the October’s Live Off The Floor session.

The duo known as Dystoh bring hard-hitting congas, roaring baritone sax, and tight two-part harmonies that get you moving. Their sound draws from the vibrant elements of Afrobeat(s), Latin and Reggae. Ray Tabana and Phil Motion are also founding members of the Juno-nominated Souljazz Orchestra out of Ottawa.

Trevor Walker is one of Canada’s most recognized underground DJs of the past 30 years. A walking musical encyclopedia, he’s responsible for helping to shape the eclectic sound that has defined Ottawa’s club scene for over two and a half decades. This is partly due to the handful of radio shows he’s hosted over the years at CKCU since 1992. Since 2005, you can hear him every Friday on Friday Drive at 5pm.

September’s Live Off The Floor session

September’s Live Off The Floor session is with rappers dannydukess and HUG MOSH, and their thoughtfully crafted, clever and conscious songs. They took the opportunity to shift their approach to presenting their music in our smaller studio setting.