CKUA Radio Network

Best ever station ever. Always has been and I hope it always will be. Nearly every program is good and Baba’s Grooves is hands down one of the best programs in Canada, even though I haven’t heard much outside of Edmonton but it probably is simply because it’s Baba. There isn’t a lot of stations that play jazz but the one’s that do this is the best to hear it. Everyone is extremely knowledgeable too. Glad they moved to a bigger place. They needed it with all that vinyl!

I have been a devoted listener of CKUA radio station for a long time. If you want to expand your musical horizons, tune in ASAP! These guys play music from around the world, and let their listeners enjoy such music genres as jazz and folk, rock and indie, disco and reggae, country and funk. If you love oldies, try listening to Baba’s Grooves: this program is geared towards all those who go week in the knees for 50s and 60s music.
All DJs are extremely knowledgeable, and tell in-​depth stories and interesting facts about the bands and artists whose songs they broadcast. I find most programs on CKUA to be fun and educational.
I also would like to comment on friendliness and approachability of CKUA’s hosts. If you like a certain song but miss the title or the name of the artist, write to CKUA, and they will respond. I remember writing to inquire about a song, and the DJ was nice enough to clarify the name of the band and to provide suggestions of similar types of music. He even sent me a schedule of his upcoming programs. How cool is that?

I discovered CKUA by accident in a rental car in Calgary. I usually don’t listen to radio, but I got stuck with a rental that had no input for my iPod — and after flipping through a few stations and getting multiple variations of Tobey Keith and Nickelback I came upon this station that was playing some really good folk. Well, I discovered something that was totally eclectic and beyond any other offering in Calgary. The only thing that comes remotely close to the mix that they play is the CBC, which I have undying respect for, but is mandated to try to make all Canadians happy — which is impossible. CKUA, on the other hand, is just a constant party and they welcome you to join them on the dance floor they have created. I have discovered more great artists who I now have in my iPod now thanks to CKUA.
My only wish is that they were over the air here in BC versus my having to have internet radio through my Sonos system — though this works well enough when I’m home!

CKUA is Canada’s first education and public broadcaster. Today, the station is known for its eclectic array of programming. I hear music on CKUA that I don’t hear anywhere else, and have discovered a few musical acts in the process. Some of the music you can hear on CKUA include folk, world beat, classical, jazz, blues, local acts, and just about anything that veers from the mainstream. Although the station does accept advertising, it is also dependent on the donations of listeners, as well as volunteer help. I help out in the phone room twice a year during the station’s pledge campaigns, answering the phones and taking pledges. It is a lot of fun and a great way to meet other CKUA listeners.