Thursday, February 26 marks a major milestone for Midwestern Ontario’s most recognizable media voice. The date officially marks 100 years since the first experimental broadcast that would eventually become radio station CKNX.
What began in 1926 with Dr. W.T. "Doc" Cruickshank "tinkering around in his little workshop," as Station Operations & Sales Manager Jeff Irwin describes it, has grown into a multi-platform media operation serving five counties across the region.
"Thursday February 26 marks 100 years since the beginning," Irwin said. "And then of course the expansion of media across Midwestern Ontario."
Over the decades, the station evolved from its AM roots to television in 1955, FM radio in 1977 (the first FM in the region), and later the launch of a second FM signal, CIBU 94.5, in 2005. Today, the station also reaches audiences through streaming, digital platforms, and daily newsletters.
"It’s really exciting time to be in media," Irwin said.
CKNX has long been more than just a radio station. Irwin calls it a lifeline for the region.
"Over the course of the time here, CKNX AM, CKNX-FM, CKNX-TV, CIBU-FM have been a lifeline in not only entertainment but in news information, emergency information," he said. "It really connected what is five counties and hundreds of towns and villages...and gave them one voice, one platform, one place where everybody could kind of come together."
The centennial comes at a time of significant change in the media landscape. With more competition, digital disruption, and evolving technology, Irwin says local service remains the station’s strength.
"Being a local news provider is a key to that," he said. "We keep working at that as best we can."
To mark the anniversary, celebrations will continue throughout 2026. A special anniversary broadcast is being led by Morning Show host Chris Fudali, featuring archival audio, stories, and visits from former staff. The station is also launching an online anniversary store with commemorative merchandise.
Major events planned this year include a Barn Dance Reunion concert on Sunday, May 31 at the Wingham Town Hall Theatre, an open house at the station on Saturday, June 13, and a strong presence at the 2026 International Plowing Match in Walkerton this September.
Irwin says the station’s uniqueness is rooted in both its history and its location.
"It’s a unique station in the entire country," he said. "It’s unique in that it serves such a large region, and it’s in Wingham, a town of about 3,500 people. This isn’t a typical type of town that would have a radio service, let alone three radio stations."
For longtime listeners and those just tuning in, Irwin says CKNX remains what it has always been: a trusted gathering place for the community.
"It’s been that place for the community to come together, for the information to get dispersed," he said. "And it’s just kind of a fun place to be."
