CFRU-FM

Infobox Radio Station


name = CFRU
airdate = 1969 as "Radio Gryphon", as CFRU since 1973
frequency = 93.3 MHz (FM)
area = Guelph, Ontario
format = Campus and community programming
owner = University of Guelph Radio – Radio Gryphon
erp = 250 watts
branding = "Campus and Community Radio in Guelph"
class =
website = [http://www.cfru.ca CFRU Online]
callsign_meaning = C Frank Ryan U

CFRU, airing at 93.3 on the FM dial, is a campus radio station based at the University of Guelph in Guelph, Ontario, Canada (transmitter located at coord|43|32|07|N|80|13|25|W| ). CFRU is a volunteer-run campus and community radio station. CFRU is a member of the National Campus and Community Radio Association [http://www.ncra.ca/business/stations.cfm] . The station hosted the 2005 national conference of that organization.

History

Radio at the University of Guelph has a long history dating back to 1939 when there was credit course in radio broadcasting offered by the Ontario Agricultural College. Radio curriculum was taught at the University of Guelph until the Late 1950’s.

Throughout the late 1950’s and early 1960’s various colleges at the University of Guelph produced a half hour radio program for CJOY-AM in a sound booth in the Massey Hall drama practice theatre.

In 1965, broadcast executive Frank Ryan, a former member of the university's Board of Governors, bequeathed the university $25,000 in his will to launch its own radio station.

In 1969 Room 102 of the Physical Sciences Building becomes a radio studio. Radio Gryphon begins regular programming to cafeterias and student lounges through a closed circuit system. CJOY programming discontinued.

In September 1970 Radio Gryphon experiments with on-campus AMBroadcasting and Radio Gryphon is added to Guelph cable FM system (105.7FM). In November 1970 the Department of Communications shuts down Radio Gryphon for operating a radio broadcasting station without a licence.

In 1973 CFRU is awarded an AM licence to broadcast on campus

In 1974 CFRU moves into new studios in the University Centre. CFRU was the first group to move into the new University Centre

It moved to its current FM frequency in 1980, broadcasting a 50 watt signal until 1991. In that year, the station expanded its signal to 250 watts, enabling it to reach the Kitchener-Waterloo region. In 2005 CFRU celebrated 25 years as an FM broadcaster in Canada with a series of concerts and community events.

On April 24, 2008 CFRU began broadcasting in a newly revamped on-air studio, updating the technological operations of the station to provide better and smoother programming.

Programming

CFRU offers a wide range of programming including an eclectic mix of music shows, alternative and international news shows, spoken word shows, and foreign language programming.

CFRU broadcasts in English, Spanish, Mandarin, Cantonese, Turkish, Polish, Persian, and Dari. CFRU's music programs feature a variety of musical genres including hip-hop, punk, metal, salsa, drum and bass and reggae. Overall it plays a wide variety of Canadian and independent music.

CFRU holds its annual membership drive Raise Your Voice in October.

ee also

*Campus radio

External links

* [http://www.cfru.ca/ CFRU Home Page]
*