Identity area
Reference code
Title
Date(s)
- 1921-1984, predominant 1934-1983 (Creation)
Level of description
Extent and medium
3.75 m of textual records
143 audio reels
28 audio cassettes
74 audio discs
ca. 3000 photographs
30 film reels
Context area
Name of creator
Administrative history
CFAC Radio of Calgary, Alberta received its broadcast licence in April 1922 and began operations in May as a commercial broadcasting station. The call letters changed from CQCA to CHCQ before becoming CFAC in August 1922. Its power gradually increased to 50,000 watts by 1970. Since commencing operations the station has been located in the Greyhound Building and two locations on 17th Avenue SW. Between 1922 and 1964 CFAC changed from a basic network station to a CBC supplementary station to an independent. It now operates as a country music station with a high community profile. It has departments responsible for sales, on-air broadcasting and technical engineering. The general managers have included F. Carlton, F.H. Elphicke, F.G. Herbert, G.S. Henry, V.F. Nielsen, A.M. Cairns, Don Hartford, Dave Penn, John Ansell, John McColl, Walter Machny and Kevin McKanna. The station has been owned by the Calgary Herald (1922-1934); Taylor, Pearson and Carson (1934-1947); Taylor, Pearson and Carson in partnership with the Southam Company (1948-1959); Selkirk Holdings Ltd. (1959-?); and Rogers (1990s). It became more automated when it was purchased by Ted Rogers, who created a Vancouver-based satellite radio network to which CFAC now subscribes. As a result CFAC has undergone a reduction in both staff and local production.
Repository
Archival history
Immediate source of acquisition or transfer
Gifts of CFAC, Jim Kunkel, Esther Brown, M. Barraclough, and Micky Gulless, 1980-2011. Gift of Evan Baker, 2022.
Content and structure area
Scope and content
The fonds consists of the textual, visual and audio records of CFAC. Textual records consist of station reports, blueprints, correspondence and financial records; radio licences, contracts, agreements, coverage documentation and scripts; staff files; and promotional material including advertisements, handouts, newsletters and newsclippings. Includes scrapbooks, visitors books and awards. Audio recordings consist of sports coverage, commercials, promotional jingles and regular, current interest and special broadcast shows. Includes recorded speeches including one of William Aberhart. The photographs and slides depict CFAC promotional events, billboards, radio stations and equipment, employees and special events in which the station participated including the Calgary Stampede. The films consist of television commercials, footage of the demise of old station buildings and equipment, and the introduction of new transmitters. Also includes a film regarding animated advertising signs (telesign).
Appraisal, destruction and scheduling
Accruals
System of arrangement
Conditions of access and use area
Conditions governing access
No restrictions on access.
Conditions governing reproduction
Language of material
Script of material
Language and script notes
The material is in English.
Physical characteristics and technical requirements
Finding aids
Allied materials area
Existence and location of originals
Existence and location of copies
Reference prints from the original negatives are available.
Related units of description
Other CFAC broadcasts are in the Jenkins Groceteria Ltd. fonds, Foothills Christian College fonds, P. H. Godsell fonds, and United Grain Growers Ltd. fonds at Glenbow.
Notes area
Note
Title based on contents of records.
Note
M 5659, M 7301, M 7909 and M 7977 have all been amalgamated with M 8210.
Note
The reference prints are in the P's.
Note
RAT 49 is a copy of RAD 48.
Note
PB-822 is missing and has never been described, thus is not included in the call numbers above.