40 years of folk: CKDU’s longest running programmer marks four decades in radio

The CKDU radio station in Halifax is turning 40 this year.

Bev Lamb’s passion for radio started in England, where he grew up listening to the BBC. However, after moving to Canada, he stopped tuning in for decades until a chance encounter led him back.

“A friend of mine told me there was a great folk show on CKDU,” Lamb recalled. “I tuned in, liked the program.”

Lamb began to go the small campus station at Dalhousie University in Halifax every Saturday morning in 1985. One day, the show’s host had to leave for school in Newfoundland and asked Lamb to take over the 10 a.m. to noon slot. The 79-year-old has been on the air ever since.

Despite nearly 40 years behind the mic, he still remembers his nerves from the first broadcast.

“I’d never spoke into a microphone before,” he said. “My knees were knocking.”

Lamb is CKDU’s longest-running programmer. When he hosted his first show the station’s signal was so weak the reception would cut out behind tall buildings or near the Armdale Rotary.

“The power that the station had in those days was the power of a light bulb,” said Lamb.

But what it lacked in reach, it made up for in content. As a community-driven, volunteer-run station, CKDU has always focused on programming that isn’t found on commercial or public radio.

“We give a wide variety of choice for spoken word, news, or ethnic programming,” said Lamb.

That programming has included everything from Chinese language shows to Muslim and Jewish programs, highlighting diverse voices and perspectives.

Beyond its unique programming, CKDU has been a training ground for generations of broadcasters.

“This is a wonderful skill-building place,” said Megan McCracken, CKDU’s operations director. “A lot of people have come here to practice their speaking.”

McCracken emphasized that CKDU is open to everyone.

“If you want a show, just send us an email. We do a little training, and it’s yours.”

Keeping the station alive for four decades has been no small feat. While a portion of its funding comes from Dalhousie University, CKDU relies heavily on community donations and fundraising events.

“When you hear about our events, please come out,” said McCracken. When you see our fundraising drive in March, get a T-shirt.”

For Lamb, CKDU has been a source of joy, community, and personal growth.

“It’s improved my self confidence,” he said. “I find it much easier to talk with people.”

After nearly four decades, he has no plans to retire.

“I started when I was 40, and I’m pretty sure I can get through to July,” he said. “That’ll be 40 years for me.”

But whether he stays behind the mic or not, CKDU’s mission remains unchanged – giving a platform to voices that might not otherwise be heard.

“They could open up their ears to a lot of different musical forms, which can’t be heard on other stations,” said Lamb.

CKDU can be heard on 88.1FM in Halifax or online.