Alberta radio station CKUA is trying to raise $3 million

An Alberta public radio station plans to raise $3 million over the next few months in hopes of staying on the air.

Alberta radio station CKUA says its future is in jeopardy if it can't raise funds by September.

“CKUA is valued by Albertans and listeners from around the world,” CEO Mark Carnes said in a news release. “The situation we find ourselves in is due to a perfect storm of factors that many households and businesses face.”

The Edmonton station, which has been on the air since 1927, blames financial woes on inflation, limited government funding and post-pandemic vacancy and devaluation of Hotel Alberta.

Karnes said the station's challenges are not a lack of revenue, but rather an increase in listenership over the past five years and consistent revenue from advertising and fundraising.

CKUA Radio kicks off the fundraiser Friday afternoon.

“The CKUA community needs us more than ever,” Karnes said. “CKUA listeners should do what they bravely did in 1997 when the Alberta government decommissioned the station. If the community loves CKUA radio, we need you now.