CKNX 100th Anniversary

CKNX Marks 100 Years of Broadcasting Excellence this year.

One hundred years ago, a simple experimental radio broadcast from Wingham forever changed how Midwestern Ontario stayed connected. In 1926, what began as an informal transmission by W.T. “Doc” Cruickshank evolved into CKNX, now one of Canada’s longest-running and most respected radio stations. From early farm reports and local news to iconic music programming and community storytelling, CKNX has served as a trusted voice for generations of listeners. Officially licensed in the early 1930s and adopting the CKNX call letters in 1935, the station quickly became a vital source of information across rural Ontario — particularly during pivotal moments such as the Second World War.

Some of the highlights and lowlights for the station would include the launching on November 18, 955 of CKNX-TV (Channel 8) as a CBC affiliate, making Wingham a unique, small-town media hub. The most significant low was the devastating fire in 1962 that destroyed the building that housed both the radio and television stations, but they continued operating with the help of other stations, including CFRB in Toronto who sent up an audio board by helicopter and set it up in one of the stores on the main street to keep the radio station operating. The television news that night was done from the gymnasium of the high school, with film of the fire reflected off a white sheet hanging on the wall.

 

CKNX-FM, "FM 102" was launched on April 17, 1977. The station was sold to London Free Press Holdings Ltd. in 1971 and later

became part of the Blackburn Group. Today, the radio station continues to operate, while the television station was sold to Baton Broadcasting in 1993 and eventually shuttered.

 

Over the decades, CKNX earned national recognition for its powerful signal, commitment to local content, and signature programs such as the Saturday Night Barn Dance, which helped introduce country music talent to audiences across the region while fostering a strong sense of community connection. Another way CKNX staff got to know their audience was through the CKNX Tri-Hards hockey team. It was a great way for the players to meet their fans and usually raise some money for the community they were visiting. And the Tri-Hards did try hard, but sadly there is no record of them coming home with a trophy.

As part of the celebrations, there will be 100th Anniversary merchandise available for purchase. A link to the online store will be available at cknx.ca. Today, CKNX continues to broadcast on AM 920 and digital platforms, maintaining its longstanding mission of serving Midwestern Ontario with local news, music, and stories that matter.

CKNX is presenting 100 Memories in 100 Days, a special audio series highlighting the people, moments, and milestones that shaped the station over the past century. Episodes begin at the very start of CKNX’s history and continue chronologically through years, offering listeners a unique day-by-day journey through 100 years of broadcasting. Episodes can be heard online at: https://cknx.ca/blogs/100th-anniversary/2025/11/100-memories-in-100-days/

New memories are added regularly, allowing listeners to follow along or catch up at any time.

Centennial Events include:

100th Anniversary Barn Dance Reunion Celebration

Sunday, May 31 at 2:30 p.m.

Wingham Town Hall Theatre

A tribute to CKNX’s legendary Barn Dance tradition, featuring live music and a celebration of the station’s country music heritage. Tickets will go on sale soon.

CKNX Open House

Date: Saturday, June 13

The public will be invited inside the CKNX studios to explore station memorabilia, learn about its history, and meet the people behind the microphones. Additional details will be announced in

the coming weeks.

International Plowing Match — Walkerton, September 22–26

CKNX will be on site at the International Plowing Match, celebrating its 100th anniversary alongside the agricultural community that has been central to the station’s history since its earliest days.

For 100 years, CKNX has informed, entertained, and connected communities across Midwestern Ontario. As the station enters its second century, it remains committed to delivering authentic local radio while honouring the legacy built by generations of broadcasters and listeners.

More information about CKNX’s 100th anniversary celebrations is available at www.cknx.ca

215 Carling Terrace, Wingham