The soundscape that follows traces the development of Manitoba radio from the beginnings to the present day. While it is by no means all inclusive, you will hear eye witness descriptions of how local radio began, historic broadcasts and legendary personalities.
George Reynolds, amateur radio operator, with eye witness account of the establishment of the first commercial radio station in Winnipeg, owned by the Free Press newspaper. Engineer Lynn Salton.
Billy Brown, one of the early voices to be heard on Free Press radio...heard here on a Vancouver station.
Eyewitness account of George Reynolds, amateur radio operator, describing the formation of CKY radio. CKY Winnipeg, operated by the Manitoba Telephone System, was the first publicly owned radio station in Canada.
In 1926 Lilian Shaw, CKY, was voted the most popular announcer in the country. She was the first female announcer on public radio in Canada.
Herb Roberts was the first announcer on CNRW Radio in Winnipeg. Established in 1924, the Canadian National Railway Radio Network was a forerunner to today's Canadian Broadcasting Corporation.
Private radio. In the late 1920s, James Richardson established a private radio station in Saskatchewan that sent programming back into Manitoba. Les Garside was one of the early participants.
Ev Dutton was one of the very early news commentators on Winnipeg radio. He worked at CJRC and CKRC.
Radio coverage of the visit to Manitoba by King George VI and Queen Elizabeth, 1939.
Darby Coats was the first general manager and announcer on CKY Winnipeg. He came to be known as Manitoba's "Father of Radio".
Wilf Davidson, CKY, describes downtown Winnipeg in 1941.
Comedy. Wartime programming produced in Winnipeg and sent to troops overseas.
Stewart Macpherson describes VE Day celebrations. Winnipeg-born Macpherson was voted the most popular voice in Great Britain and was known around the world for his wartime coverage. Macpherson later returned to his home town to work in both radio and television.
CJOB Radio goes on the air, March 1946. Owned and operated by John Oliver Blick, his first staff was made up entirely of wartime veterans.
1948...Maurice Burchell. CKY signs off and CBW (CBC) signs on.
Well known announcer Tom Benson sets up Derby Day at Polo Park, 1948.
Radio's finest hour. Local radio played a critical role during the 1950 flood.
Manitoba premier D.L. Campbell officially opened CFAM Radio in Altona on March 13th, 1957. The station was the beginning of what would become Golden West Broadcasting.
CJOB bans rock 'n roll music, September 26, 1959.
The Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, including CBW Winnipeg, produced hundreds of local radio dramas.
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