About

OUR HISTORY

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 became the first campus-based community radio station in the country.

CKCU is a community-powered media organization that amplifies voices that need to be heard. Since day one, we’ve championed independent media, reflecting Ottawa’s full diversity through bold, inclusive, volunteer-driven programming. We believe the future of media is local, creative, and shaped by the communities it serves.

OUR MISSION

Our mission is to offer a diverse and independent radio experience that showcases, connects, entertains, and strengthens our local communities while developing future generations of broadcasters.

OUR VISION

CKCU brings to Ottawa-Gatineau high-quality radio content produced locally and independently – meaningful, diverse, and inclusive – that supports and empowers the region’s interconnected communities to stay informed, engaged, entertained, and connected.

OUR STRATEGIC PLAN

CKCU’s 2025–2028 Strategic Plan lays out our roadmap for the future. It focuses on creativity, community connection, sustainability, and public service. The plan reflects our belief that media made by and for the people it serves is essential.

Read CKCU’s full Strategic Plan

A picture of a microphone and a graphic that reads 'Our Programming and Content'. Under it, the graphic reads: "CKCU is committed to preserving diversity, alternative content, and independent voices. We offer over 100 programs in over 10 different languages to the Ottawa-Gatineau community, and we make our programming accessible to those with our unique on-demand web library. Listen live today, or search your favourite programs."
A book box graphic with the headline 'Listening Becomes Easy.' The text under it reads: CKCU offers an extensive online database of past programs. If you missed a live show on the air, you can find episodes in our innovative COD system - developed right here by our own team. We're bringing searchability and permanence to hosts, artists, and musicians with this creative initiative.

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CKCU Staff are represented by CUPE Local 1281

CKCU Registered Charity Number 11910 8439 RR0001
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Board of Trustees

CKCU is a non-profit corporation, and its Board of Trustees supervises the station’s management in the interests of listeners, volunteers, staff, and the public. Our Board of Trustees page includes information provided by the board for station staff and volunteers.

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Donate

Want to be part of Team CKCU? Making a donation is one of the best ways to do it.

CKCU is a Registered Charity funded by generous donors, Carleton University students, program sponsorships, and residents of Ottawa-Gatineau. I

You can give easily and securely on our CanadaHelps page or via an e-transfer or Cheque. Please see our Donation page for all the ways to be a part of #TeamCKCU.


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Want to get your music played on CKCU?

Your best chance is to explore our Program Grid (under the “Programs” tab on our website) and look for shows that feature music similar to yours.
Try searching for your name. If we haven’t played you yet, look up artists in a similar genre or style. This can help you find the shows most likely to be a good fit.
Once you’ve found a few, reach out to the show hosts directly. Most have contact info listed on their program pages. If not, you can email them at [ShowName]@ckcufm.com (just replace “ShowName” with the program name).

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Tracking

Check our online playlists or consult our charts. We currently don’t do tracking by phone or e-mail.

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