CKLN gone; Radio Regent now online

A parallel story to the post below about CIUT’s 25th anniversary, and a lesson about the vulnerabilities of local, non-commercial radio… As most readers know, what was Toronto’s first and longest-running community radio station, CKLN (88.1) sadly went off the air last year and lost its broadcast license. It continued broadcasting online from a studio in Regent Park, but officially dissloved at the end of September. On January 1, many of its programs and hosts moved to Radio Regent, an online radio station. Check it out and tune in at www.radioregent.com For some background on CKLN and what happened see … Continue reading

Vintage Vinyl Party & Sale: Aug. 27

CKLN — Toronto’s oldest community radio station — has indeed fallen on hard times, but is still broadcasting music, news & community information, now just online at ckln.fm They do however, need funds to continue, to find office & studio space (see this blog post) and to maintain the equipment needed. They’re hosting a sale of their vinyl archives, along with CD’s, books, and more to support Community Radio. Other dealers will have related items for sale. Aug. 27, 9-11 (preview), 11-4: General Public 55 Gould St. See poster for more details.  

Aug. 11 notes

T.O. Music Pix on CKLN: A reminder that I’ll be doing a guest spot on Paul Corby’s “Corby’s Orbit” show on CKLN Friday, Aug. 12 around 1pm, featuring some music and talk. Tune in online to www.ckln.fm   Also on the Internet this week While on the topic of Internet radio shows, I’m currently listening to DJ Ritu’s latest “A World In London” show. (Listen here) She began that show several years ago on BBC Radio London, taking over the timeslot of the late Charlie Gillett when he became ill. It featured a range of “world” and other music, reflecting … Continue reading

T.O. Music Pix on CKLN: Aug 12

I will be guesting on Paul Corby’s “Corby’s Orbit” show on CKLN Friday, Aug. 12 around 1pm, featuring some music and talk. Tune in online to www.ckln.fm CKLN — Toronto’s oldest community radio station — is still around and broadcasting (online for the moment) while they face two battles: loss of their broadcasting licence and loss of their offices/studios at the end of this month. Voices like CKLN’s are a vital and irreplaceable part of the city; it’s important to do what we can to keep those voices heard.

CKLN urgently needs new space

CKLN, Toronto’s oldest community radio station, already struggling to regain its radio broadcasting license (it’s now broadcasting online at ckln.fm) is now facing eviction from its studios at Ryerson. See note below taken frorm the station’s website. On air, or online, CKLN has always filled a crucial need in Toronto broadcasting.  Anyone who can assist, please see contact info below. And on a related note, I’ll be guesting on Paul Corby’s “Corby’s Orbit” show next Friday (Aug 12) with some music and talk. 1pm, ckln.fm. Note from CKLN: CKLN has been informed by the Ryerson Student Centre (Palin Foundation) that … Continue reading

Yemen Blues, and other event and musical notes

Event notes: (See www.events.to-music.ca for full details of these and other upcoming shows & events) Luminato Festival is now in full swing, with events all over the map (figuratively and literally), including free concerts nightly at Metro Square (now David Pecault Square) at King & John, including Art of Time Ensemble, Delhi 2 Dublin with Malkit Singh, kd lang, and closing with a double bill of Tasa & Nitin Sawhney. Two highlights for me: Yemen Blues: Tue. June 14. Free, 8pm By all accounts, the show might be one of the highlights of the year — at least for those of … Continue reading

CKLN off the air for now & needs help

Toronto’s first community station is now off the air, having heard last month that the Federal Court of Appeal will not hear the station’s appeal of the CRTC decision to revoke their broadcasting license. That decision forced the station off the air immediately. However, the Chair of the station’s board of directors says CKLN intends to come back. “We aren’t even close to being out of the picture yet. There are options. And when there’s a will and community support, there’s a way”. This is a great loss to Toronto’s airwaves. For more information, including what you can do to … Continue reading

Toronto Radio: the importance of CIUT & CKLN

This week (April 11-17) marks the semi-annual fundraising for CIUT FM, 104.5, If you’re reading this, then the kind of music you’re interested in would be much less available (on radio and live) in Toronto without strong, independent voices like CIUT or CKLN… and they wouldn’t exist at all without supporters helping to pay the bills. So, please, if you care about this music, consider contributing something to keep those voices alive. CKLN, 88.1, Toronto’s first community radio station is still under threat from a CRTC decsion but is reorganizing and revitalizing. Check its website for updates; it can also … Continue reading