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{{Infobox radio station
{{Infobox radio station
| logo = Citr-black1-1024x1017-1024x1017.jpg
| logo = Citr-black1-1024x1017-1024x1017.jpg
| format = [[Public Broadcasting]]
| format = [[Public Radio]] - [[Adult Album Alternative]]
| power =
| power =
| class = A
| class = A
Line 14: Line 14:
| area = [[Greater Vancouver]]
| area = [[Greater Vancouver]]
| branding = CiTR and Discorder
| branding = CiTR and Discorder
| airdate = April 1, [[1989 in radio|1989]]
| airdate = {{Start date and age|1989|4|1}}
| frequency = 101.9 [[Hertz|MHz]] ([[FM broadcasting|FM]])
| frequency = 101.9 [[Hertz|MHz]] ([[FM broadcasting|FM]])
| erp = 1.8 [[watt|kW]]s
| erp = 390 [[watt]]s (1,800 watts maximum)
| haat = 103 metres
| haat = {{Convert|103|m|ft|sp=us}}
| webcast = [http://player.citr.ca/ Listen Live]
| webcast = [http://player.citr.ca/ Listen Live]
| website = [http://www.citr.ca citr.ca]
| website = [http://www.citr.ca citr.ca]
}}
}}


'''CiTR-FM''', is a Canadian [[FM broadcasting|FM]] [[radio station]] based out of the [[University of British Columbia]]'s Student Union Building in the [[University Endowment Lands]], just west of the city limits of [[Vancouver]], [[British Columbia]]. Its transmitter is also located on campus.
'''CiTR-FM''' (101.9 [[Hertz|MHz]]) is a [[non-commercial educational station|non-commercial]] [[FM broadcasting|FM]] [[radio station]] in [[Vancouver]], [[British Columbia]]. It is owned by the [[University of British Columbia]], with studios in its Student Union Building in the [[University Endowment Lands]], just west of the city limits of Vancouver. It airs a variety of musical genres, including [[adult album alternative]], as well as news and talk programming.


CiTR is operated by [[University of British Columbia|UBC]] students and community volunteers under the ownership of the Student Radio Society of the University of British Columbia, an entity closely affiliated with UBC's [[Alma Mater Society of the University of British Columbia|Alma Mater Society]]. The station's mandate is to provide programming that is alternative to the genres played on mainstream radio. Broadcasting at 101.9 [[FM broadcasting|FM]], its signal encompasses most of the [[Lower Mainland|Vancouver Metropolitan Area]].
CiTR-FM has an [[effective radiated power]] (ERP) of 390 [[watt]]s (1,800 watts maximum). Its [[transmitter]] is located on campus. Its signal encompasses most of the [[Lower Mainland|Vancouver Metropolitan Area]].


CiTR-FM is operated by [[University of British Columbia|UBC]] students and community volunteers under the ownership of the Student Radio Society of the University of British Columbia, an entity closely affiliated with UBC's [[Alma Mater Society of the University of British Columbia|Alma Mater Society]]. The station's mandate is to provide programming that is alternative to the genres played on mainstream radio.
⚫
Notable or long-running programmers include [[Nardwuar the Human Serviette]], Steve Edge, Gavin Walker of the Jazz Show, "Long" John Tanner, DJ Ebony, DJ Avi Shack, Val Cormier, Luke Meat, Chris-a-riffic, Ska-T, Zena Sharman, Tod Maffin, Bryce Dunn, Jonathon Brown, Spike Chilton of the Northern Wish and the Canadian Way, Bleek Swinney of Exquisite Corpse and Breakfast With The Browns, Pyra Draculea of the Vampire's Ball, Marie Benard of Synchronicity, Caroline of Sexy In VanCity, and many others.


⚫
CiTR-FM is a member of the [[National Campus and Community Radio Association]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ncra.ca/members/member-directory/citr-fm |title=Citr-Fm &#124; Ncra |publisher=Ncra.ca |access-date=2013-06-09}}</ref> and hosted the National Campus and Community Radio Conference in 1984 and again in 2007. The NCRC is an annual national gathering of community-oriented radio broadcasters who provide alternative radio to a diverse audience. It has been offered every summer since 1981, and it is one of the core activities of the NCRA/ANREC.
⚫
CiTR launched a podcast service in September 2006, allowing listeners to access past shows online.


⚫
==History==
⚫
CITR is a member of the [[National Campus and Community Radio Association]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ncra.ca/members/member-directory/citr-fm |title=Citr-Fm &#124; Ncra |publisher=Ncra.ca |access-date=2013-06-09}}</ref> and hosted the National Campus and Community Radio Conference in 1984 and again in 2007. The NCRC is an annual national gathering of community-oriented radio broadcasters who provide alternative radio to a diverse audience. It has been offered every summer since 1981, and it is one of the core activities of the NCRA/ANREC.
===Early years===
The [[list of broadcast station classes|Class A]] station [[sign-on|signed on]] the air on {{Start date and age|1989|4|1}}. But the university had been involved in radio since the 1930s.


⚫
In 1937, Ozzie Durkin, Dorwin Baird, Victor Freeman, and Malcolm Brown began a variety show called "Varsity Time" on CJOR. Then, in 1938 UBC Radio became an official club on campus. In 1942, UBC Radio became RADSOC and continued to produce radio programming for CJOR, CKWX-AM, CBR, and CKMO. By 1947, UBC Radio had earned a place in the new facilities in UBC's Brock Hall.
⚫
== History ==
⚫
In 1937, Ozzie Durkin, Dorwin Baird, Victor Freeman, and Malcolm Brown began a variety show called "Varsity Time" on CJOR. Then, in 1938 UBC Radio became an official club on campus. In 1942, UBC Radio becomes RADSOC and continues to produce radio programming for CJOR, CKWX-AM, CBR, and CKMO. By 1947, UBC Radio had earned a place in the ultra-new facilities in UBC's Brock Hall.


In 1949, the budding radio coming out of RADSOC was put on hold after overspending and a bungled radio talent show. The members of RADSOC returned to their station in the fall to discover the doors locked. President Don Cunliffe reinstated RADSOC with no budget and the society continued to broadcast one hour daily despite their financial hardship. A resilient RADSOC partnered with CKWX (BC Association of Broadcasters) to operate a twenty-two-week-long school for commercial radio. Closed-circuit broadcasts to residences begin, and the first full commercials are run on UBC Radio.
In 1949, the budding radio coming out of RADSOC was put on hold after overspending and a bungled radio talent show. The members of RADSOC returned to their station in the fall to discover the doors locked. President Don Cunliffe reinstated RADSOC with no budget and the society continued to broadcast one hour daily despite their financial hardship. A resilient RADSOC partnered with CKWX (BC Association of Broadcasters) to operate a twenty-two-week-long school for commercial radio. Closed-circuit broadcasts to residences begin, and the first full commercials are run on UBC Radio.
Line 41: Line 42:
By 1981, CiTR had become an AMS service organization and began to work with the community both on and off campus for the first time since the 1940s. CiTR joined the National Campus Radio Organization, which later became the NCRA. From this affiliation, CiTR was able to make connections with University of Alberta Radio and reform the Western Association of Broadcasters, a Western Canadian campus support and information group that had disbanded twenty years earlier.
By 1981, CiTR had become an AMS service organization and began to work with the community both on and off campus for the first time since the 1940s. CiTR joined the National Campus Radio Organization, which later became the NCRA. From this affiliation, CiTR was able to make connections with University of Alberta Radio and reform the Western Association of Broadcasters, a Western Canadian campus support and information group that had disbanded twenty years earlier.


===Low power FM===
On April 1, 1982, CiTR broadcast for the first time at 101.9 FM after receiving approval from the CTRC for their Low Power FM licence the previous September. The first song played was "Dancing in the Streets" by Martha Reeves and the Vandellas.
On April 1, 1982, CiTR broadcast for the first time at 101.9 FM after receiving approval from the CTRC for a Low Power FM licence the previous September. The first song played was "Dancing in the Streets" by Martha Reeves and the Vandellas. Discorder hit the streets in 1983.

Discorder hit the streets in 1983.


In 1985, CiTR proposed a unique licensing plan using a directional radio antenna to allow the use of 101.9&nbsp;MHz simultaneously in Vancouver and Victoria. In that same year, Discorder was chosen by Seattle's Rocket Magazine as one of the Top 20 Publications in the World. Subsequently, in 1988, Discorder was a finalist in the Western Canadian Magazine Awards competition for both Magazine of the Year (circulation under 20 000) and Cover of the Year (50th issue cover, March '87).
In 1985, CiTR proposed a unique licensing plan using a directional radio antenna to allow the use of 101.9&nbsp;MHz simultaneously in Vancouver and Victoria. In that same year, Discorder was chosen by Seattle's Rocket Magazine as one of the Top 20 Publications in the World. Subsequently, in 1988, Discorder was a finalist in the Western Canadian Magazine Awards competition for both Magazine of the Year (circulation under 20 000) and Cover of the Year (50th issue cover, March '87).


CiTR went high power to 1800 watts in 1989. The first song played was "Have Not Been the Same" by Slow.
CiTR increased its power to 1,800 watts in 1989. The first song played was "Have Not Been the Same" by Slow.


1990 saw the beginning of CiTR's historical participation in the Vancouver Hip Hop scene with DJ Soundwar Chapter One, a rap competition that saw entrants come from as far away as LA. In 1995, CiTR would go on to publish Elements, a magazine that focuses on local and international Hip Hop culture: MCs, DJs, Breaking, and Graffiti. Elements is only published until 1996.
1990 saw the beginning of CiTR's historical participation in the Vancouver Hip Hop scene with DJ Soundwar Chapter One, a rap competition that saw entrants come from as far away as LA. In 1995, CiTR would go on to publish Elements, a magazine that focuses on local and international Hip Hop culture: MCs, DJs, Breaking, and Graffiti. Elements is only published until 1996.


In 1993, CiTR broadcast BBC world news for satellite and, in 1994, CiTR became the first radio station in Vancouver to hit the internet with an email address and gopher site. By 2000 the station was live broadcasting on the web in concert with the broadcast at 101.9 FM. In 2001, the CRTC mandated an incorporation of French and third language programming on the CiTR airwaves. This move towards diversifying content continued through to the following decade. The station began broadcasting content produced by the newly formed Women's Collective, Indigenous Collective, and Accessibility Collective which joined the standard News, Arts, and Sports Collectives on the air in 2014.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.citr.ca/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/The-Normal-Zone-1995.pdf|title=The Normal Zone handout}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.broadcasting-history.ca/index3.html?url=http%3A//www.broadcasting-history.ca/listings_and_histories/radio/histories.php%3Fid%3D66%26historyID%3D27|title=Canadian Communications Foundation|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160821181745/http://www.broadcasting-history.ca/index3.html?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.broadcasting-history.ca%2Flistings_and_histories%2Fradio%2Fhistories.php%3Fid%3D66%26historyID%3D27|archive-date=2016-08-21|url-status=dead}}</ref>
In 1993, CiTR began broadcasting news from the [[BBC World Service]]. In 1994, CiTR became the first radio station in Vancouver to hit the internet with an email address and gopher site. By 2000 the station was live broadcasting on the web in concert with the broadcast at 101.9 FM. In 2001, the CRTC mandated an incorporation of French and third language programming on the CiTR airwaves. This move towards diversifying content continued through to the following decade. The station began broadcasting content produced by the newly formed Women's Collective, Indigenous Collective, and Accessibility Collective which joined the standard News, Arts, and Sports Collectives on the air in 2014.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.citr.ca/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/The-Normal-Zone-1995.pdf|title=The Normal Zone handout}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.broadcasting-history.ca/index3.html?url=http%3A//www.broadcasting-history.ca/listings_and_histories/radio/histories.php%3Fid%3D66%26historyID%3D27|title=Canadian Communications Foundation|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160821181745/http://www.broadcasting-history.ca/index3.html?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.broadcasting-history.ca%2Flistings_and_histories%2Fradio%2Fhistories.php%3Fid%3D66%26historyID%3D27|archive-date=2016-08-21|url-status=dead}}</ref>


⚫
CiTR launched a podcast service in September 2006, allowing listeners to access past shows online.
⚫
==Discorder Magazine==

⚫
===Past personalities===
⚫
Notable or long-running programmers include [[Nardwuar the Human Serviette]], Steve Edge, Gavin Walker of the Jazz Show, "Long" John Tanner, DJ Ebony, DJ Avi Shack, Val Cormier, Luke Meat, Chris-a-riffic, Ska-T, Zena Sharman, Tod Maffin, Bryce Dunn, Jonathon Brown, Spike Chilton of the Northern Wish and the Canadian Way, Bleek Swinney of Exquisite Corpse and Breakfast With The Browns, Pyra Draculea of the Vampire's Ball, Marie Benard of Synchronicity, and Caroline of Sexy In VanCity.

⚫
===''Discorder'' magazine===
{{Unreferenced section|date=July 2016}}
{{Unreferenced section|date=July 2016}}
''Discorder'' was created in February 1983 by founding editors Jennifer Fahrni and Mike Mines as an alternative music magazine for Vancouver and the program guide for CiTR. With a circulation of 25,000, the first issue included an interview with [[Stan Ridgeway]] of [[Wall of Voodoo]] by Mark Mushet; article ''Youth Culture in West Berlin'' by Werner Janke; reviews of albums by The Scissors, Los Popularos, and Modernettes by Gord Badanic, [[Siouxsie and the Banshees]], [[Wall of Voodoo]], and [[Mission of Burma]] by Dave McDonagh, [[D.O.A. (band)|DOA]] by Dean Pelkey; and a review of the compilation tape ''Egghead'' by Brent Argo. The magazine has since expanded to become a media institution in its own right, running music reviews, book reviews, interviews, essay-length articles, comics, a mixtape, the CiTR program guide, and CiTR's charts.
''Discorder'' was created in February 1983 by founding editors Jennifer Fahrni and Mike Mines as an alternative music magazine for Vancouver and the program guide for CiTR. With a circulation of 25,000, the first issue included an interview with [[Stan Ridgeway]] of [[Wall of Voodoo]] by Mark Mushet; article ''Youth Culture in West Berlin'' by Werner Janke; reviews of albums by The Scissors, Los Popularos, and Modernettes by Gord Badanic, [[Siouxsie and the Banshees]], [[Wall of Voodoo]], and [[Mission of Burma]] by Dave McDonagh, [[D.O.A. (band)|DOA]] by Dean Pelkey; and a review of the compilation tape ''Egghead'' by Brent Argo. The magazine has since expanded to become a media institution in its own right, running music reviews, book reviews, interviews, essay-length articles, comics, a mixtape, the CiTR program guide, and CiTR's charts.
Line 59: Line 64:
''Discorder'' also serves as an outlet for emerging Vancouver music writers, photographers, and illustrators.
''Discorder'' also serves as an outlet for emerging Vancouver music writers, photographers, and illustrators.


Issues of Discorder have been digitized by the UBC Library and are available at the UBC Library Open Collections site.
Issues of ''Discorder'' have been digitized by the UBC Library and are available at the UBC Library Open Collections site.


''Discorder'' prints 8,000 copies each month and distributes them across the cities of Vancouver and [[Victoria, British Columbia|Victoria]].
''Discorder'' prints 8,000 copies each month and distributes them across the cities of Vancouver and [[Victoria, British Columbia|Victoria]].


⚫
''Discorder''{{'}}s staff rotates on a regular basis. Each editor's personal style is often reflected in stylistic shifts in the magazine's aesthetics and content. Past editors include:
⚫
===Past editors===

⚫
Discorder's staff rotates on a regular basis. Each editor's personal style is often reflected in stylistic shifts in the magazine's aesthetics and content.
*2019-Present: Tasha Hefford
*2019–present: Tasha Hefford
*2018–2019: Mallory Amirault
*2018–2019: Mallory Amirault
*September 2015– 018: Brit Bachmann
*September 2015–2018: Brit Bachmann
*2015: Alex de Boer
*2015: Alex de Boer
*2013–2015: Jacey Gibb
*2013–2015: Jacey Gibb
*2012-2013: Laurel Borrowman
*2012–2013: Laurel Borrowman
*2011–2012: Gregory Adams
*2011–2012: Gregory Adams
*2008–2011: Jordie Yow
*2008–2011: Jordie Yow
Line 79: Line 84:
*January 2003: Duncan M. McHugh (guest editor)
*January 2003: Duncan M. McHugh (guest editor)
*Merek Cooper (currently at Sleephouse Radio)
*Merek Cooper (currently at Sleephouse Radio)
*Chris Eng (became editor of [[Terminal City (magazine)|Terminal City Magazine]])
*Chris Eng (became editor of [[Terminal City (magazine)|''Terminal City'' magazine]])
*Lyndsay Sung
*Lyndsay Sung
*[[Barbara Andersen (editor)|Barbara Andersen]]
*Barbara Andersen


== Elements ==
=== ''Elements'' ===
''Elements'' was published by CiTR alongside ''Discorder'' through 1995 and 1996. The magazine was edited by J Swing and Mr. Flipout and featured crass copy and near perpetual late publication. The magazine reported on, reviewed, and documented Hip Hop music and culture within Vancouver while tying the city's scene to the goings-on of the American Hip Hop phenomenon. Featured artist included KRS-One, Group Home, Ghostface Killah, A Tribe Called Quest, Outkast, and Busta Rhymes.
''Elements'' was published by CiTR alongside ''Discorder'' through 1995 and 1996. The magazine was edited by J Swing and Mr. Flipout and featured crass copy and near perpetual late publication. The magazine reported on, reviewed, and documented Hip Hop music and culture within Vancouver while tying the city's scene to the goings-on of the American Hip Hop phenomenon. Featured artist included KRS-One, Group Home, Ghostface Killah, A Tribe Called Quest, Outkast, and Busta Rhymes.


==SHiNDiG==
===SHiNDiG===
SHiNDiG is a long-running [[battle of the bands]] competition hosted by CiTR yearly from September to December. Past contestants have included bands such as [[3 Inches of Blood]], Speedbuggy, [[The Organ (band)|The Organ]], [[Japandroids]], [[They Shoot Horses, Don't They? (band)|They Shoot Horses, Don't They?]], [[You Say Party! We Say Die!]], [[The Choir Practice]], [[Maow]], [[Collapsing Opposites]], [[Hermética]] and [[The Salteens]].{{citation needed|date=July 2012}}
SHiNDiG is a long-running [[battle of the bands]] competition hosted by CiTR yearly from September to December. Past contestants have included bands such as [[3 Inches of Blood]], Speedbuggy, [[The Organ (band)|The Organ]], [[Japandroids]], [[They Shoot Horses, Don't They? (band)|They Shoot Horses, Don't They?]], [[You Say Party! We Say Die!]], [[The Choir Practice]], [[Maow]], [[Collapsing Opposites]], [[Hermética]], the Wizerdz, and [[The Salteens]].{{citation needed|date=July 2012}}


==Sports==
===Sports===
CiTR provides coverage of the [[UBC Thunderbirds]] varsity teams. The sports department produces live coverage of many sporting events during the academic year, such as football, ice hockey, basketball and volleyball. The station has also carried baseball and soccer broadcasts.
CiTR provides coverage of the [[UBC Thunderbirds]] varsity teams. The sports department produces live coverage of many sporting events during the academic year, such as football, ice hockey, basketball and volleyball. The station has also carried baseball and soccer broadcasts.


Line 97: Line 102:
<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gothunderbirds.ca/sports/2009/10/19/hist-awards.aspx?id=10#Delamont |title=University Of British Columbia Thunderbirds - Awards |publisher=Gothunderbirds.ca |access-date=2013-06-09}}</ref>
<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gothunderbirds.ca/sports/2009/10/19/hist-awards.aspx?id=10#Delamont |title=University Of British Columbia Thunderbirds - Awards |publisher=Gothunderbirds.ca |access-date=2013-06-09}}</ref>


==News==
===News===
CiTR has a news department, which produces News 101, a live, volunteer-produced, student and community newscast. The news department provides original coverage of local, provincial, federal, and international news, from an independent perspective. The news department does not cover crime or other sensationalized news stories, choosing instead to cover politics, social justice and environment topics.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.citr.ca/index.php/programs/news |title=News @ CiTR 101.9 FM |publisher=Citr.ca |date=2013-01-17 |access-date=2013-06-09}}</ref>
CiTR has a news department, which produces News 101, a live, volunteer-produced, student and community newscast. The news department provides original coverage of local, provincial, federal, and international news, from an independent perspective. The news department does not cover crime or other sensationalized news stories, choosing instead to cover politics, social justice and environment topics.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.citr.ca/index.php/programs/news |title=News @ CiTR 101.9 FM |publisher=Citr.ca |date=2013-01-17 |access-date=2013-06-09}}</ref>


Line 103: Line 108:


CiTR News produced a special series covering the 2010 Olympics in Vancouver, including a special 'Eyes on the Street' segment.
CiTR News produced a special series covering the 2010 Olympics in Vancouver, including a special 'Eyes on the Street' segment.
CiTR News also produced notable coverage of the APEC protests at UBC in 1997.<ref>http://quadrantcrossing.org/sound/CiTR_ApecRadio_1997.mp3 {{Bare URL AV media|date=June 2022}}</ref>
CiTR News also produced notable coverage of the APEC protests at UBC in 1997.<ref>[http://quadrantcrossing.org/sound/CiTR_ApecRadio_1997.mp3 APEC radio] quadrantcrossing.org</ref>


== Archives ==
=== Archives ===
Archives of 585 recordings of CiTR broadcasts can be found at the University of British Columbia "CiTR Audiotapes" archive.<ref>{{Cite web|title=CiTR Audiotapes|url=https://open.library.ubc.ca/collections/citraudio}}</ref> A complete archive of ''Discorder'' "from February 1983 to the present, making it the longest running independent music magazine in Vancouver. Issues include articles, reviews, photos, features, interviews and advertisements" can be found at the UBC Library Digitalization Centre.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Discorder Archive|url=https://open.library.ubc.ca/collections/discorder}}</ref>
Archives of 585 recordings of CiTR broadcasts can be found at the University of British Columbia "CiTR Audiotapes" archive.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://open.library.ubc.ca/collections/citraudio|title=CiTR Audiotapes - UBC Library Open Collections|website=open.library.ubc.ca|accessdate=2 January 2024}}</ref> A complete archive of ''Discorder'' "from February 1983 to the present, making it the longest running independent music magazine in Vancouver. Issues include articles, reviews, photos, features, interviews and advertisements" can be found at the UBC Library Digitalization Centre.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://open.library.ubc.ca/collections/discorder|title=Discorder - UBC Library Open Collections|website=open.library.ubc.ca|accessdate=2 January 2024}}</ref>


==References==
==References==
Line 115: Line 120:
*[http://www.discorder.ca/ Discorder]
*[http://www.discorder.ca/ Discorder]
*[https://archive.today/20130115083438/http://shindig.citr.ca/ SHiNDiG]
*[https://archive.today/20130115083438/http://shindig.citr.ca/ SHiNDiG]
* [https://broadcasting-history.ca/radio/radio-stations/british-columbia/british-columbia-vancouver/CITR-FM CITR-FM] at The History of Canadian Broadcasting by the [[Canadian Communications Foundation]]
* {{History of Canadian Broadcasting}}
* {{RecnetCanada|CITR-FM}}
* {{RecnetCanada|CITR-FM}}
*[https://open.library.ubc.ca/collections/discorder UBC Open Collections - Discorder]
*[https://open.library.ubc.ca/collections/discorder UBC Open Collections - Discorder]

Latest revision as of 08:58, 29 July 2024

"CITR" redirects here. For the novel, see Catcher in the Rye.
CiTR 101.9 FM
Broadcast areaGreater Vancouver
Frequency101.9 MHz (FM)
BrandingCiTR and Discorder
Programming
FormatPublic Radio - Adult Album Alternative
Ownership
Owner
History
First air date
April 1, 1989; 35 years ago (1989-04-01)
Technical information
ClassA
ERP390 watts (1,800 watts maximum)
HAAT103 meters (338 ft)
Links
WebcastListen Live
Websitecitr.ca

CiTR-FM (101.9 MHz) is a non-commercial FM radio station in Vancouver, British Columbia. It is owned by the University of British Columbia, with studios in its Student Union Building in the University Endowment Lands, just west of the city limits of Vancouver. It airs a variety of musical genres, including adult album alternative, as well as news and talk programming.

CiTR-FM has an effective radiated power (ERP) of 390 watts (1,800 watts maximum). Its transmitter is located on campus. Its signal encompasses most of the Vancouver Metropolitan Area.

CiTR-FM is operated by UBC students and community volunteers under the ownership of the Student Radio Society of the University of British Columbia, an entity closely affiliated with UBC's Alma Mater Society. The station's mandate is to provide programming that is alternative to the genres played on mainstream radio.

CiTR-FM is a member of the National Campus and Community Radio Association,[1] and hosted the National Campus and Community Radio Conference in 1984 and again in 2007. The NCRC is an annual national gathering of community-oriented radio broadcasters who provide alternative radio to a diverse audience. It has been offered every summer since 1981, and it is one of the core activities of the NCRA/ANREC.

History

[edit]

Early years

[edit]

The Class A station signed on the air on April 1, 1989; 35 years ago (1989-04-01). But the university had been involved in radio since the 1930s.

In 1937, Ozzie Durkin, Dorwin Baird, Victor Freeman, and Malcolm Brown began a variety show called "Varsity Time" on CJOR. Then, in 1938 UBC Radio became an official club on campus. In 1942, UBC Radio became RADSOC and continued to produce radio programming for CJOR, CKWX-AM, CBR, and CKMO. By 1947, UBC Radio had earned a place in the new facilities in UBC's Brock Hall.

In 1949, the budding radio coming out of RADSOC was put on hold after overspending and a bungled radio talent show. The members of RADSOC returned to their station in the fall to discover the doors locked. President Don Cunliffe reinstated RADSOC with no budget and the society continued to broadcast one hour daily despite their financial hardship. A resilient RADSOC partnered with CKWX (BC Association of Broadcasters) to operate a twenty-two-week-long school for commercial radio. Closed-circuit broadcasts to residences begin, and the first full commercials are run on UBC Radio.

Nearly twenty years later, in 1969, RADSOC moved into state of the art broadcasting facilities in the newly completed Student Union Building (now the Old SUB) and officially becomes CYVR. True to spirit, CYVR was shut down by the UBC Alma Mater Society for six months for operating without a licence. CYVR had applied for a licence in compliance with CRTC regulations, but continued to broadcast before the licence was approved. When the licence was approved, UBC Radio became Thunderbird Radio: CiTR. Then, in 1975, CiTR began broadcasting at 101.9 MHz.

By 1981, CiTR had become an AMS service organization and began to work with the community both on and off campus for the first time since the 1940s. CiTR joined the National Campus Radio Organization, which later became the NCRA. From this affiliation, CiTR was able to make connections with University of Alberta Radio and reform the Western Association of Broadcasters, a Western Canadian campus support and information group that had disbanded twenty years earlier.

Low power FM

[edit]

On April 1, 1982, CiTR broadcast for the first time at 101.9 FM after receiving approval from the CTRC for a Low Power FM licence the previous September. The first song played was "Dancing in the Streets" by Martha Reeves and the Vandellas. Discorder hit the streets in 1983.

In 1985, CiTR proposed a unique licensing plan using a directional radio antenna to allow the use of 101.9 MHz simultaneously in Vancouver and Victoria. In that same year, Discorder was chosen by Seattle's Rocket Magazine as one of the Top 20 Publications in the World. Subsequently, in 1988, Discorder was a finalist in the Western Canadian Magazine Awards competition for both Magazine of the Year (circulation under 20 000) and Cover of the Year (50th issue cover, March '87).

CiTR increased its power to 1,800 watts in 1989. The first song played was "Have Not Been the Same" by Slow.

1990 saw the beginning of CiTR's historical participation in the Vancouver Hip Hop scene with DJ Soundwar Chapter One, a rap competition that saw entrants come from as far away as LA. In 1995, CiTR would go on to publish Elements, a magazine that focuses on local and international Hip Hop culture: MCs, DJs, Breaking, and Graffiti. Elements is only published until 1996.

In 1993, CiTR began broadcasting news from the BBC World Service. In 1994, CiTR became the first radio station in Vancouver to hit the internet with an email address and gopher site. By 2000 the station was live broadcasting on the web in concert with the broadcast at 101.9 FM. In 2001, the CRTC mandated an incorporation of French and third language programming on the CiTR airwaves. This move towards diversifying content continued through to the following decade. The station began broadcasting content produced by the newly formed Women's Collective, Indigenous Collective, and Accessibility Collective which joined the standard News, Arts, and Sports Collectives on the air in 2014.[2][3]

CiTR launched a podcast service in September 2006, allowing listeners to access past shows online.

Past personalities

[edit]

Notable or long-running programmers include Nardwuar the Human Serviette, Steve Edge, Gavin Walker of the Jazz Show, "Long" John Tanner, DJ Ebony, DJ Avi Shack, Val Cormier, Luke Meat, Chris-a-riffic, Ska-T, Zena Sharman, Tod Maffin, Bryce Dunn, Jonathon Brown, Spike Chilton of the Northern Wish and the Canadian Way, Bleek Swinney of Exquisite Corpse and Breakfast With The Browns, Pyra Draculea of the Vampire's Ball, Marie Benard of Synchronicity, and Caroline of Sexy In VanCity.

Discorder magazine

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Discorder was created in February 1983 by founding editors Jennifer Fahrni and Mike Mines as an alternative music magazine for Vancouver and the program guide for CiTR. With a circulation of 25,000, the first issue included an interview with Stan Ridgeway of Wall of Voodoo by Mark Mushet; article Youth Culture in West Berlin by Werner Janke; reviews of albums by The Scissors, Los Popularos, and Modernettes by Gord Badanic, Siouxsie and the Banshees, Wall of Voodoo, and Mission of Burma by Dave McDonagh, DOA by Dean Pelkey; and a review of the compilation tape Egghead by Brent Argo. The magazine has since expanded to become a media institution in its own right, running music reviews, book reviews, interviews, essay-length articles, comics, a mixtape, the CiTR program guide, and CiTR's charts.

Discorder also serves as an outlet for emerging Vancouver music writers, photographers, and illustrators.

Issues of Discorder have been digitized by the UBC Library and are available at the UBC Library Open Collections site.

Discorder prints 8,000 copies each month and distributes them across the cities of Vancouver and Victoria.

Discorder's staff rotates on a regular basis. Each editor's personal style is often reflected in stylistic shifts in the magazine's aesthetics and content. Past editors include:

  • 2019–present: Tasha Hefford
  • 2018–2019: Mallory Amirault
  • September 2015–2018: Brit Bachmann
  • 2015: Alex de Boer
  • 2013–2015: Jacey Gibb
  • 2012–2013: Laurel Borrowman
  • 2011–2012: Gregory Adams
  • 2008–2011: Jordie Yow
  • 2008: Nat Jay
  • 2007: Spike Chilton
  • 2006: David Ravensbergen
  • 2003-2005: Kat Siddle
  • January 2003: Duncan M. McHugh (guest editor)
  • Merek Cooper (currently at Sleephouse Radio)
  • Chris Eng (became editor of Terminal City magazine)
  • Lyndsay Sung
  • Barbara Andersen

Elements

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Elements was published by CiTR alongside Discorder through 1995 and 1996. The magazine was edited by J Swing and Mr. Flipout and featured crass copy and near perpetual late publication. The magazine reported on, reviewed, and documented Hip Hop music and culture within Vancouver while tying the city's scene to the goings-on of the American Hip Hop phenomenon. Featured artist included KRS-One, Group Home, Ghostface Killah, A Tribe Called Quest, Outkast, and Busta Rhymes.

SHiNDiG

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SHiNDiG is a long-running battle of the bands competition hosted by CiTR yearly from September to December. Past contestants have included bands such as 3 Inches of Blood, Speedbuggy, The Organ, Japandroids, They Shoot Horses, Don't They?, You Say Party! We Say Die!, The Choir Practice, Maow, Collapsing Opposites, Hermética, the Wizerdz, and The Salteens.[citation needed]

Sports

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CiTR provides coverage of the UBC Thunderbirds varsity teams. The sports department produces live coverage of many sporting events during the academic year, such as football, ice hockey, basketball and volleyball. The station has also carried baseball and soccer broadcasts.

CiTR has produced live broadcasts at recent Canadian Interuniversity Sport national tournaments: men's basketball (2009); women's basketball (2004–2008); men's soccer (2007); women's field hockey (2005).

The station won the Arthur W. Delamont Service Award in 1983 and 1987 for their contribution and service to UBC athletics. [4]

News

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CiTR has a news department, which produces News 101, a live, volunteer-produced, student and community newscast. The news department provides original coverage of local, provincial, federal, and international news, from an independent perspective. The news department does not cover crime or other sensationalized news stories, choosing instead to cover politics, social justice and environment topics.[5]

News 101 is broadcast once-weekly, on Fridays at 5pm PST.

CiTR News produced a special series covering the 2010 Olympics in Vancouver, including a special 'Eyes on the Street' segment. CiTR News also produced notable coverage of the APEC protests at UBC in 1997.[6]

Archives

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Archives of 585 recordings of CiTR broadcasts can be found at the University of British Columbia "CiTR Audiotapes" archive.[7] A complete archive of Discorder "from February 1983 to the present, making it the longest running independent music magazine in Vancouver. Issues include articles, reviews, photos, features, interviews and advertisements" can be found at the UBC Library Digitalization Centre.[8]

References

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  1. ^ "Citr-Fm | Ncra". Ncra.ca. Retrieved 2013-06-09.
  2. ^ "The Normal Zone handout" (PDF).
  3. ^ "Canadian Communications Foundation". Archived from the original on 2016-08-21.
  4. ^ "University Of British Columbia Thunderbirds - Awards". Gothunderbirds.ca. Retrieved 2013-06-09.
  5. ^ "News @ CiTR 101.9 FM". Citr.ca. 2013-01-17. Retrieved 2013-06-09.
  6. ^ APEC radio quadrantcrossing.org
  7. ^ "CiTR Audiotapes - UBC Library Open Collections". open.library.ubc.ca. Retrieved 2 January 2024.
  8. ^ "Discorder - UBC Library Open Collections". open.library.ubc.ca. Retrieved 2 January 2024.
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