Awards Archive

The NCRA Awards were founded in 1993 with a contribution from Standard Radio Broadcasting and ran as the Standard Radio Awards of Excellence for 12 years. Since 2006, they have been the NCRA Community Radio Awards.

But whatever the name, they have always served as a place for our members to recognize the amazing work that goes on in our sector — from what we put on air to how we contribute to our communities. And, needless to say, the entries here are only a slice of the great work produced by NCRA member stations.

NCRA COMMUNITY RADIO AWARD RECIPIENTS 2008

photo of melissa kaestnerCreative Production: CHRY-FM Toronto, ON — Produced by Kevin Shaw — CHRY 20 Reasons to Donate" (listen)
Documentary: CJSF-FM Burnaby, BC — Emily Falk — "Search for the Female Condom" (listen)
Focused Programming: CJSR-FM Edmonton, AB — Jocelyn Saskiw — "Anarchist Bookfair" (listen)
Magazine-Style Show: CKDU-FM Halifax, NS — Dave Ewanson, Mat Dunlop, Tom Westall — "Let's Get Baked" (listen)
Newscast: CJSW-FM Calgary, AB — Mark Shields — "CJSW news" (listen)
Show Name: CHRY-FM Toronto, ON — Matthew Fava — "Seven Sages of the Bamboo Grove" (listen)
Lifetime Achievement/Community Radio Legend: Melissa Kaestner from the NCRA/ANREC (shown in photo after presented with Cowichan blanket)

Honourable Mentions:
• Creative Production: CFRC-FM Kingston, ON — Aleksandra Bragoszewska — "The Gravewalkers" (listen)
• Creative Production: CFRC-FM Kingston, ON — Owen Fernley and Chris Trimmer — "Noise" (listen)
• Documentary: CKUT-FM Montreal, QC — Jessica Murphy — "Candlelight Vigil" (listen)
• Focused Programming: CJSF-FM Burnaby, BC — Ryan Fletcher — "Alternative Remembrance Day Service" (listen)
• Focused Programming: CHRY-FM Toronto, ON — Omme-Salma Rahemtullah, Ahmed Habib, Hazem Jamjam — "Anti-Apartheid Frequencies" (listen)
• Magazine-Style Show: CFRC-FM Kingston, ON — Greg Tilson — "The Yokal" (listen)
• Newscast: CJLY-FM Nelson, BC — Jim Terral — "Puckhead Politics" (listen)
• Newscast: CFRC-FM Kingston, ON — Courtney Kirkby — "Free Bob Rally" (listen)

NCRA COMMUNITY RADIO AWARD RECIPIENTS 2007

photo of tristis wardCreative Production: CJTR-FM Regina, SK — Ben Valiaho — "Moment in Thyme Commercial" (listen)
Documentary: CKUT-FM Montreal, QC — Seth Porcello — "The Shouting Mountain" (listen)
Documentary: CFRO-FM Vancouver, BC — Steve Bowell — "Marc the Knife: The Overshadowed Career of Marc Blitstein" (listen)
Focused Programming: CKUW-FM Winnipeg, MB — Daniel Brandt — "L.I.T.E. Dine and Dash Excerpt" (listen)
Magazine-Style Show: CJSW-FM Calgary, AB — Jason Lewis and Laura Glick — "Reverb" (listen)
Newscast: CJLY-FM Nelson, BC — Jim Terral – "World Report" (listen)
Lifetime Achievement/Community Radio Legend: Tristis Ward from CHSR-FM Fredericton, NB (shown in photo with a grandmaster trophy and fellow legend recipient Frieda Werden)

NCRA COMMUNITY RADIO AWARD RECIPIENTS 2006

photo of frieda werdenBeat Reporting: CJSF-FM Burnaby, BC — Luigi Bianco — "Oli and Laureen's Dreams" — An experiment using radio to help someone learn English, based on the premise that talking to lots of people and listening to your own voice are great tools for learning a language.
Creative Production: CKUW-FM Winnipeg, MB — Colin Smith — "Rude PSA Fundrive" — A humourous funding drive pitch playing upon the stereotypes of campus and community radio, both honest and gratuitous, sharing the brutal reality of running a station. a
Documentary: CFRO-FM Vancouver, BC — Emily Aspinwall and Tiffany Chong — "30 Years of Prison Justice Day" — A documentary for the 30th anniversary Prison Justice Day, which is a day to honour the memory of the men and women who have died unnatural deaths inside Canadian prisons.
Focused Programming: CiTR-FM Vancouver, BC — Heather Kitching — "Queer FM Christmas Special" — A Christmas special dedicated to uplifting to LGTB folk who were stuck at home on Christmas Day with no friends or family to keep them company, using themes of peace and harmony to encourage some of that in the community.
News Story: CJSR-FM Edmonton, AB — Danika Wolkow — "War Child Canada" — An excellent interview with Dr. Samantha Nutt, founder and (then) executive director of War Child Canada, a medical doctor with over 10 years experience working in many of the world's worst war zones.
Lifetime Achievement/Community Radio Legend: Frieda Werden from CJSF-FM Burnaby, BC (shown in photo after receiving the first-ever Legend award, with former president Lydia Masemola (left))

NCRA/ANREC STANDARD RADIO AWARDS OF EXCELLENCE RECIPIENTS 2004

Community Involvement: CHLS-FM Lillooet, BC — "Kid’s Corner" — A weekly show directed at children and families, fostering an invaluable relationship with their community.
Local Talent Development: CKUT-FM Montreal, QC — "Underground Sounds" — A collectively-run program spotlighting independent music through features and on-air/local performances.
Programming Excellence: CFRU-FM Guelph, ON — "Encuentro Radiofonico" — Focused programming featuring Spanish-speaking programmers from Ontario and Central and South America.
Programming Excellence: CJLY-FM Nelson, BC — "Nelson Before Nine" — A daily two-hour news magazine featuring local news, culture, social issues, politics and events.
Small Station: CJSF-FM Burnaby, BC — "The Long and Winding Road" — A 4-year-and-10-month story of perseverance and dedication to be FM.

NCRA/ANREC STANDARD RADIO AWARDS OF EXCELLENCE RECIPIENTS 2003

photo of 2003 recipientsLocal Talent Development: CHRY-FM Toronto, ON — "Below the Radar" — a diversified compilation of Toronto hip hop artists.
National Initiatives: CKUT-FM Montreal, QC — "Homelessness Marathon" — 16 hours of live coast-to-coast simulcast broadcast of homeless issues from on the streets.
Programming Excellence: CFRO-FM Vancouver, BC — "Redeye" — a 3-hour weekly news/music show
Programming Excellence: CKDU-FM Halifax, NS — "Sounds Delicious" — 2 days of focused programming featuring interviews and discussions about food.
Programming Excellence: CKUW-FM Winnipeg, MB — "System Kidz" — a weekly show produced by kids about kids in the welfare system.
Photo: Staff and volunteers from all station recipients, with Standard Radio representative Lee Sterry on far right)

NCRA/ANREC STANDARD RADIO AWARDS OF EXCELLENCE RECIPIENTS 2002

photo of CFMH recipientsCommunity Development: CKUW-FM Winnipeg, MB
Local Talent Development: CJAM-FM Windsor, ON
Local Talent Development: CKDU-FM Halifax, NS
Programming Excellence: CKUT-FM Montreal, QC
Small Station: CFMH-FM Saint John, NB (Staff and volunteers shown in photo)

NCRA/ANREC STANDARD RADIO AWARDS OF EXCELLENCE RECIPIENTS 2001

photo of CHSR recipientsCommunity Involvement: CJAM-FM Windsor, ON — "Battle of the Bands Festival"
Local Talent Development: CHSR-FM Fredericton, NB — "Battle of the Bands" — featuring 19 artists from across the Maritimes with a grand prize of studio time to record a demo. (Staff and volunteers shown in photo)
National Initiatives: CHUO-FM Ottawa, ON — "Le Grand CRU"
Programming Excellence: CKDU-FM Halifax, NS — "Eritrea: A Victim"
Small Station: CHLS-FM Lillooet, BC — The first station to get from an idea to on the air with a developmental licence in 18 months and for less than $5000.

NCRA/ANREC STANDARD RADIO AWARDS OF EXCELLENCE RECIPIENTS 2000

Community Involvement: CHSR-FM Fredericton, NB — Freedom 55 seniors' radio station and show.
Community Involvement: CHUO-FM Ottawa, ON — Sharing donations with four local charities, while allowing them to get exposure by free advertising for one year, interviews, and special coverage.
Community Involvement: CKUW-FM Winnipeg, MB — Legal aid program and low income program.
Local Talent Development: CKDU-FM Halifax, NS — "It Came From Halifax Harbour" — a CD compilation and live broadcast series.
Small Station: CAPR Sydney, NS

NCRA/ANREC STANDARD RADIO AWARDS OF EXCELLENCE RECIPIENTS 1999

Programming Excellence: CKDU-FM Halifax, NS – "Through Arab Eyes"
Programming Excellence: CKUT-FM Montreal, QC – "Native Solidarity News"
Small Station: CKUW-FM Winnipeg, MB

NCRA/ANREC STANDARD RADIO AWARDS OF EXCELLENCE RECIPIENTS 1998

Community Involvement: CHMA-FM Sackville, NB
Community Involvement: CHUO-FM Ottawa, ON
Programming Excellence: CiTR-FM Vancouver, BC
National Initiatives: CJSR-FM Edmonton, AB
Small Station: CFBU-FM St. Catharines, ON

NCRA/ANREC STANDARD RADIO AWARDS OF EXCELLENCE RECIPIENTS 1997

Community Involvement: CFUV-FM Victoria, BC – Ongoing placement of special needs community volunteers.
National Initiatives: CJSR-FM Edmonton, AB – "The Great Western Ballroom" – nationally distributed series
Programming Excellence: CFRO-FM Vancouver, BC – "Voices from the 11th International AIDS Conference" – A radio program run in conjunction with the community forum of the 11th International Conference on AIDS.
Programming Excellence: CHUO-FM Ottawa, ON – "Women’s Words" – a bilingual spoken word series.
Small Station: CKUL-FM (now CKXU-FM) Lethbridge, AB – Significant development in several areas towards the goal of FM broadcasting.

Honourable Mentions:
CAPR Sydney, NS
CFCR-FM Saskatoon, SK
CJSF-FM Burnaby, BC
CKUW-FM Winnipeg, MB

NCRA/ANREC STANDARD RADIO AWARDS OF EXCELLENCE RECIPIENTS 1996

Community Involvement: CJAM-FM Windsor, ON
Community Involvement: CJSW-FM Calgary, AB
Community Involvement: CKMO-AM Victoria, BC
National Initiatives: CJSR-FM Edmonton, AB
Small Station: CIMN-FM Charlottetown, PE

NCRA/ANREC STANDARD RADIO AWARDS OF EXCELLENCE RECIPIENTS 1995

Community Involvement: CKCU-FM Ottawa, ON – "Shades of Blackness" – a 16-hour broadcast that was part of Black History Month programming.
National Initiatives: CKDU-FM Halifax, NS – "SEX-FM" – 16-hour focused programming and national solidarity broadcast.
Programming Excellence: CFRO-FM Vancouver, BC – "Earth Day on the Air" – women's perspective on activism in the environmental movement.
Programming Excellence: CKDU-FM Halifax, NS – "SEX-FM" – 16-hour focused programming and national solidarity broadcast.
Programming Excellence: CKUT-FM Montreal, QC – "Wired on Words" – Ongoing series of spoken word audio pieces by local artists and writers.

NCRA/ANREC STANDARD RADIO AWARDS OF EXCELLENCE RECIPIENTS 1994

Community Involvement: CFCR-FM Saskatoon, SK – Doubled community involvement, increased cultural, specialty and issue-oriented shows.
Local Talent Development: CHRY-FM Toronto, ON – "Metro Mix-Off for Turntable Supremacy" – with over 600 attendees and international contestants.
National Initiatives: CFLR (now CKLU-FM) Sudbury, ON – First non-FM station to host the annual conference.
Programming Excellence: CKUM-FM Moncton, NB – "Apprenons à nous connaitre" ("Let's Get to Know Each Other") – series of 17 one-hour programs educating the community about issues facing immigrants living in Moncton.
Small Station: CJAM-FM Windsor, ON – Volunteer recruitment, programming diversity and diversification of financial and political support.

Honourable Mentions:
• Community Involvement: CFRO-FM Vancouver, BC – New programming for mentally challenged, seniors, working class women of colour, and survivors/consumers of mental health system.
• Community Involvement: CJSR-FM Edmonton, AB – Increased community profile, resulting in increased memberships and revenue and improved programming.
• Local Talent Development: CAPR Sydney, NS – "Gobblefest" – 1994 music festival with 23 local acts.
• Local Talent Development: CiTR-FM Vancouver, BC – "DJ Sound War" – underground rap, dance and street art competition.
• Local Talent Development: CKLN-FM (now Radio Regent) Toronto, ON – "Wired for Sound" – compilation CD featuring seventeen bands from the Toronto region.
• Local Talent Development: CKMS-FM Waterloo, ON – "Saturday Evening Live" – featured local and established artists and was produced as a compilation cassette.
• National Initiatives: CKUT-FM Montreal, QC – Program exchange with South African Student Press Union.
• Station Development: CKCU-FM Ottawa, ON – Coverage of disability issues and improved access.
• Programming Excellence: CFUV-FM Victoria, BC – "Voices of Resistance" – program focusing on indigenous issues.
• Programming Excellence: CHSR-FM Fredericton, NB – Programming weekends dedicated to New Brunswick Highland Games, including thirty hours of remote broadcasting.
• Programming Excellence: CKDU-FM Halifax, NS – "Alarming the Queen" – a seven-part series on law and legal philosophy.
• Small Station: CJMQ-FM Lennoxville, QC – Doubled volunteer participation, added new shows, extended broadcasting hours and improved relations with student union and community.

NCRA/ANREC STANDARD RADIO AWARDS OF EXCELLENCE RECIPIENTS 1993

Community Involvement: CFRU-FM Guelph, ON – Gender balance in programming and work environment.
Local Talent Development:CKCU-FM Ottawa, ON – "Busker Festival" – organized for street performers and musicians
Programming Excellence: CKUT-FM Montreal, QC – "Squeaky Clean" – an experimental soap opera
Programming Excellence: CKUT-FM Montreal, QC – "Neighbourhood Sounds", exploring role of sounds in an everyday environment.
Station Development: CFMU-FM Hamilton, ON – Internal improvements including: cost controls, organization of resources, openness to new volunteers and the public, and improved relationship with students.
Station Development: CKIZ-FM Pincher Creek, BC – Fundraising, programming, volunteer involvement, cultural development, community support, and public awareness.

Honourable Mentions:
• Community Involvement: CHMR-FM St. John’s, NL – Recruitment and training for women.
• Local Talent Development: CFFF-FM Peterborough, ON – Music compilation.
• Local Talent Development: CHMR (now INDI 101) Hamilton, ON – Talent contest.
• Programming Excellence: CKLN-FM (now Radio Regent) Toronto, ON – Week of programming on native issues.
• Station Development: CFRO-FM Vancouver, BC – public affairs theme days as part of fundraising initiatives.
• Station Development: CFUV-FM Victoria, BC – "Women's Broadcast Training Program"
• Station Development: CFXU Antigonish, NS – Student referendum for funding.
• Station Development: CHAM St. Lambert, QC – Development and licensing of AM Carrier Current/FM Cable Undertaking.
• Station Development: CHSR-FM Fredericton, NB – Alumni support group added to fundraising.
• Station Development: CHUO-FM Ottawa, ON – Pilot Project for management practices.
• Station Development: CJAM-FM Windsor, ON – Executive manuals, annual planning, volunteer recruitment, fundraising and internal communication.
• Station Development: CJSR-FM Edmonton, AB – Staff restructuring, volunteer contracts, affirmative action, evaluation committee and high power.
• Station Development: CKDU-FM Halifax, NS – Music festival support and compilation.