It is hard to imagine modern society without radio, writes vancouver-future. Radio accompanies us virtually everywhere—in shops, on our way to work, in hair salons, and many other places. The “loudspeaker” has become an integral part of our lives. However, few people think about the fact that every radio station has its own history, often fascinating and rich with events.
Canadian radio, too, is home to numerous stations, remarkable programs, and charismatic hosts. This rich history deserves to be written into books or, at the very least, articles. In our material, referencing iheartradio, broadcasting-history, www3.telus, vancouvertop40radio, and fccdata, we delve into the captivating history of Vancouver’s oldest radio station, CFTE. Its story is filled with intriguing facts, pivotal events, and transformations. Let’s take it one step at a time.
The Beginning
Vancouver’s renowned radio station first went on air on April 10, 1922, under the name CJCE. It was owned by Sprott-Shaw (a company combining commerce and wireless telegraphy) and Radio Specialties Ltd.
Later, Radio Specialties opened another station, CFCQ. Eventually, CJCE and CFCQ merged into one station under Sprott-Shaw.
In 1928, CFCQ was renamed CKMO and moved into a building on West Hastings Street.
Beloved Hosts
Significant changes came to CKMO in 1955 when Radio C-FUN Ltd. purchased the station. It was then renamed CFUN.
By the 1960s, CFUN had gained citywide recognition. Its team of radio hosts included fan favourites such as Brian “Frosty” Forst, Al Jordan, Ed Karl, John Tanner, and Peter Alpen.
A Unique Format
The first era of CFUN came to an end on September 18, 1967, with the discontinuation of the “light music” format.
On May 28, 1968, Radio Futura Ltd. acquired the station. On July 1, 1969, it was renamed CKVN and transitioned to a news-focused format, playing music only at night.
Return to the Original Name
In March 1970, CKVN abandoned the news format. CHUM Western Ltd. purchased the station and restored its former name, CFUN.
The Road to True Success
The 1970s marked a turning point for CFUN with new projects that brought massive success. These included listener contests, which often awarded lucky winners with prizes, including cash rewards.
A New Persona
In 1990, CFUN acquired a subsidiary FM station. In 1996, it transitioned into a talk radio format.
On June 22, 2007, CFUN officially came under the ownership of CTV globe media.
Program Variety
During weekends, CFUN aired various entertainment programs, including shows about the lives of local celebrities. The station even featured a wine show.
Official Recognition
In the fall of 2009, the station’s management decided to discontinue the talk radio format. CFUN transformed into a sports radio station, broadcasting numerous sports shows and football reports, providing content previously unavailable on Vancouver’s airwaves.
Later that year, another rebranding occurred. By the end of November 2009, CFUN became CFTE. On January 29, 2010, it was officially recognized as Vancouver’s oldest radio station—a well-deserved title.