Listeners open wallets to help Alberta public broadcaster stay on the air

Canada’s oldest public broadcaster is in a funding crunch but listeners are stepping up to the plate to support it as it works to raise $3 million by September. Alberta’s CKUA radio station first began broadcasting in 1927. Operating out of headquarters in Edmonton, it has 16 FM licences across the province and broadcasts internationally over the web. CEO Marc Carnes explained to the Wire Report that the station owns its broadcast centre, which also contains commercial real estate. Last year its largest tenant declared insolvency and, despite steady donation and advertising revenue, plunged the broadcaster into a financial crisis. “The core elements of our business are good but it’s these pieces that are out of our control that are hitting us pretty hard,” the CEO stated. The station conducts two fundraising campaigns each year, one in the spring and one in the fall. Because of the fiscal shortfall, this spring’s campaign, which ends this coming Sunday, called for as much aid as possible. Listeners responded. The initial goal for the spring offensive was $775,000. When that was achieved, the total was elevated to $1 million. When this too was reached, it was increased to $1.25 million. As of this writing, the donations stand at $1.1 million. The campaign also had a goal of 1,000 first time donors. This was achieved so the plateau was raised to 1,250. By lunchtime Thursday, the station was seven donors short of the goal. CKUA, which has listeners on five continents, also has 7,000 monthly donors. It is working with fundraising professionals to access more sources of funding. One source that is lacklustre is government. Carnes said the station is talking with both the Alberta and Canadian governments about getting money but has come up short. “We’re hoping this campaign is a bit of a message,” he stressed. “We have been trying to work with the province and they’ve been open to the conversations, but so far we’ve had no luck with them.” The CEO has been greatly disappointed in the federal reaction. When CKUA approached the government for help, it was told that resources were being allocated to CBC/Radio-Canada. Then the cabinet turned around and gave $100 million in public money to private broadcasters. The most recent federal budget also earmarked funds for public interest stations. “We continue to try and have those conversations but it’s been frustrating to say the least in our experience with Ottawa,” Carnes said. The station CEO is proud of the work the station does as it heads towards its centennial. “We’re a true Alberta export. We’re putting Alberta arts and culture on a national and global theme.” – Reporting by Paul Park at ppark@thewirereport.ca

Listeners open wallets to help Alberta public broadcaster stay on the air

News | April 25, 2024

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Listeners open wallets to help Alberta public broadcaster stay on the air

News | April 25, 2024

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