Alberta CKUA Radio receives $1M donation from Edmonton businessman

An Alberta public broadcast radio station that’s been fundraising for nearly a year to stay on the airwaves has received one of its biggest donations.

Calling it “transformational,” Alberta CKUA Radio was gifted $1 million by Edmonton business leader and philanthropist Brian Beresh.

“This significant financial gift allows us the breathing room to be able to look ahead and make future plans for CKUA,” the station’s CEO Marc Carnes said in a news release.

“We value the relationship we have always had with Mr. Beresh, his love of music, community and the arts and we will be ever grateful for his commitment to help when we need it the most.”

Last April, the 97-year-old Edmonton-based station announced its future was in jeopardy if it could not raise $3 million within five months. It cited inflation, limited government funding and the post-pandemic vacancy and devaluation of the Alberta Hotel, which it owns, as the reasons for its financial struggles.

CKUA says vacant rental spaces in the Alberta Hotel have since been filled, helping the station’s finances. The $3-million fundraiser goal – boosted by a spring fundraising push – was reached by the end of 2024.

Now CKUA, which has been on the air since 1927, says Beresh’s “groundbreaking” donation provides momentum towards financial stability.

“CKUA is going through a rough time, not of its making,” said Beresh, who came to Edmonton in 1980 and became hooked on Alberta’s public broadcast radio. “CKUA has done a lot for our family, and other people’s families. CKUA has meant a lot to the community, and it means a lot to me.

“CKUA has become our community. It’s a part of the Albertan, Canadian, and worldwide community. It’s people who are like-minded. And it’s sort of a movement. It’s defiant, brash at times.”