RADIO NETWORK SHUTS DOWN
By Adnews Staff
Alberta radio network CKUA went off the air last week, just one day before it was supposed to start its spring fundraising campaign. "The harsh reality for CKUA is that the market place is not allowing us to raise sufficient funds to continue to operate in the current fashion," chairman and CEO Gail Hinchliffe says in a release. The 70-year-old station saw its government funding discontinued in 1995. A not-for-profit foundation took over management that same year. CKUA did not participate in the BBM ratings last fall, but estimates it had an audience reach of 75,000 to 100,000 listeners. The radio station broadcast classical, jazz, blues, folk and mixed music, as well as public affairs, news and educational programs. Most of CKUA's funding came from advertising, program sponsors and partnerships and listener donations.