The CKUA Radio Network was founded in 1927 on the University of Alberta campus in Edmonton. CKUA is Canada's first educational broadcaster and Canada's first public broadcaster.

Since its inception, CKUA has grown from a one room, low wattage radio station staffed by exceptionally dedicated amateur radio enthusiasts, into a full fledged radio and Internet broadcast network staffed by world class broadcast and business professionals.

CKUA has evolved from a government of Alberta operation to a public not-for-profit foundation, with a limited commercial license. CKUA currently enjoys over 160,000 weekly listeners and is financially supported by listener donations, program sponsorships, subscriptions, and through corporate partnership.

CKUA is recognized as the voice of Alberta artists, musicians and cultural enthusiasts. Each week, CKUA broadcasts 168 hours of eclectic and entertaining programming that, in keeping with tradition, includes educational based music and informational series. Blues, Jazz, Classical, Celtic, Folk, Contemporary and Alternative music all make up CKUA's broadcast day. This broad spectrum of music is drawn from CKUA's internationally renowned music library. Comprised of more than a quarter million CD's and LP's, the library contains an excess of 1.5 million musical selections.