About Us
Our Story: From 1983 to the Low-Power Dial
A Dream Sparked in 1979
The story of 1570 CKAN began in 1979. As a kid in Newmarket, I remember the buzz of a new signal hitting the airwaves. I watched and waited for that station to come alive, and just a few years later, in 1983, I found myself on the other side of the glass.
At 19 years old, landing a three-month stint at the original 1480 CKAN Newmarket was more than just a job—it was the thrill of a lifetime. Though the original station eventually went dark, those call letters and the magic of that frequency never left me.
Built from the Ground Up (Literally)
Today’s 1570 CKAN is a tribute to the golden era of AM radio. This isn’t a high-tech, corporate digital stream; it’s a labor of love built from the “scraps” of the industry.
Our studio is a “Frankenstein” collection of salvaged parts and discarded gear from defunct stations across Canada. We’ve given a second life to the equipment that once powered the voices of our communities. If a piece of gear was headed for the scrap heap, it likely found a permanent home in our rack.
The 1570 Frequency: Real Radio
We broadcast locally at 1570 kHz via a 100 mW “Talking House” transmitter. While it’s low power—covering the immediate neighborhood (and sometimes just my own house!)—it’s real radio. By combining that vintage AM “warmth” with this online stream, we’re keeping the spirit of local, independent broadcasting alive.
From the Engineering Bench
While my heart is still that 19-year-old kid behind the mic, my professional career took me behind the equipment rack. After decades working as a professional radio engineer, I’ve settled in Winnipeg, Manitoba, where the “radio bug” has come full circle.
1570 CKAN is my ultimate sandbox—a place where I can play Program Director, DJ, and Chief Engineer all at once. It’s pure, local fun, fueled by a passion for the medium.
The Technical Stack
For the radio geeks and DXers, here is what’s powering the sound:
- The Transmitter: A 100 mW “Talking House” AM transmitter serving the local neighborhood on 1570 kHz.
- The Console: A reclaimed RE55 console, the heart of our operations.
- The Rack: A curated collection of salvaged broadcast and mic processors, news mixers, and vintage microphones.
- The Vibe: Authentic. From the glowing “On Air” light to the analog signal path, every part of this station has a history.
Whether you’re listening on a vintage tabletop tube radio in the neighborhood or streaming us from across the country, thanks for tuning in to a piece of radio history.
1570 CKAN – Island Lakes, Winnipeg, Manitoba
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