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98.5 CKWR Real Community Radio

Tags: community, local radio, multicultural

Country: Canada

Language: english

About 98.5 CKWR Real Community Radio

98.5 CKWR Real Community Radio is a non-profit, listener-supported community radio station based in Kitchener-Waterloo, Ontario. Founded in 1983, CKWR has served as a vital platform for underrepresented voices in the region, emphasizing local culture, grassroots storytelling, and multicultural expression. Broadcasting in English with a strong commitment to inclusivity, the station provides a space for diverse communities — including immigrant, Indigenous, and youth groups — to share their perspectives through music, talk, and public affairs programming. Unlike commercial stations, CKWR prioritizes community participation, volunteer-driven content, and accessibility, making it a true reflection of the Waterloo Region’s social fabric. Its mission is to empower, educate, and connect listeners through authentic, locally produced content that celebrates diversity and fosters civic engagement.

Programming & Genres

CKWR’s programming features a dynamic mix of locally produced shows spanning music, talk, and cultural programming. Listeners can enjoy genre-diverse music segments highlighting Afro-Caribbean, South Asian, Latin, Indigenous, and independent Canadian artists, alongside specialty shows focused on hip-hop, jazz, electronic, and folk. Talk programming includes community news, public affairs discussions, youth-led segments, and multilingual cultural segments that reflect the region’s diversity. The station also airs educational content, volunteer-produced podcasts, and live event coverage from local festivals and gatherings. All content is created by volunteers and community members, ensuring programming remains responsive, authentic, and deeply rooted in the lived experiences of Kitchener-Waterloo residents.

Location & Reach

Broadcasting from its studios in Kitchener, Ontario, 98.5 CKWR serves the Waterloo Region, including the cities of Kitchener, Waterloo, and Cambridge, as well as surrounding townships such as Wilmot, Wellesley, and Woolwich. The station’s signal reaches over 500,000 residents across southwestern Ontario, with a particular focus on urban and suburban neighborhoods where cultural diversity is most pronounced. CKWR is committed to serving marginalized and underserved communities, offering a media platform where local voices — especially those from immigrant, refugee, and BIPOC populations — can be heard, celebrated, and amplified. Its terrestrial broadcast and online stream ensure accessibility for listeners at home, work, and on the go.