CKCU launches a funding drive with a call to Keep Media Human as the popular Ottawa-based independent broadcaster celebrates 51 years of connecting people through community-powered media.
OTTAWA, Oct. 19, 2026 – CKCU 93.1 FM, the independent, non-profit station based at Carleton University in Ottawa, launches its annual funding drive on Friday, with the goal of raising $215,000 for independent, community-powered media. Running from Oct. 23 to Nov. 8, this year’s campaign, Keep Media Human, celebrates the importance of real voices and human connection as artificial intelligence changes how media is created and shared.
For 51 years, CKCU has brought people together through music, news, arts, culture and conversations, creating space for diverse voices and perspectives.
“At a time when it’s getting harder to know what to trust, community media matters more than ever,” said Lia Kiessling, station director at CKCU. “Real people are at the heart of everything we do. By sharing stories and different perspectives, we help build the trust, empathy and understanding that strong communities and healthy democracies depend on, in Canada and around the world.”
A changing media landscape
The campaign comes amid significant changes in Canada’s media landscape. Alarmingly, according to the Public Policy Forum, 605 local news outlets closed across 388 Canadian communities between 2008 and 2025. Statistics Canada also found that in 2025, 80 per cent of Canadians aged 15 and older reported seeing online information they suspected was false, misleading or inaccurate at least once a month.
Misinformation across all forms of media, particularly social media, has never been more rampant.
Part of a global community
CKCU is part of a global community of campus and community radio stations that put people and local voices at the heart of media. Across Canada and around the world, these broadcasters make space for stories, music and perspectives that might otherwise go unheard.
“CKCU’s greatest strength has always been its people,” said Corrie Rabbe, chair of CKCU’s board of directors. “Every day, volunteers, artists, students and community members bring their creativity and perspectives to this organization. We’re excited about what we can continue to build together: a place where people feel they belong, new voices are welcomed and our community helps shape its own story.”
Where the money goes
Funds raised will support CKCU’s ongoing work and strategic priorities, including volunteer training, locally relevant programming, community partnerships and long-term financial sustainability.
Canada’s first campus-based FM station
As Canada’s first campus-based FM station, CKCU has unquestionably shaped Ottawa-Gatineau’s cultural life since 1975, reaching listeners locally and around the world.
How to donate
Keep Media Human invites everyone who values independent media to contribute and help shape CKCU’s future.
Donate at ckcufm.com/donate.
About CKCU 93.1 FM
CKCU is an independent, non-profit, community-powered media organization based at Carleton University in Ottawa. Since 1975, CKCU has connected people through locally produced music, news, sports, public affairs, arts and cultural programming. Volunteers, listeners, donors, and community partners support the organization.
