REGINA – It was a special day at the Legislative Assembly for 620 CKRM Regina.
With a delegation of dignitaries from CKRM in the gallery, on May 14 a number of MLAs paid tribute to the radio station as it prepares to celebrate its 100th anniversary on the air.
Those in attendance representing 620 CKRM and Harvard Media included a mix of representatives including some prominent former and current on air names, as well as leaders behind the scenes. The CKRM delegation included Matthew Hill (President & CEO of Harvard Diversified Holdings), Tina Svedahl (COO, Harvard Diversified Holdings), Cody Glydon, Gloria Evans, Colin Lovequist, Cindy Michel, Perry Nyhus, Ryan Young, Willy Cole, Jim Smalley, Chris Haines, Brittany Marino, and in the press gallery John Cairns.
The representatives from CKRM listened as MLAs recounted their memories of the station and its impact in the community. Here is a sampling of what those MLAs had to say about the 100 years of CKRM:
Brad Crassweller, White City – Qu’Appelle
This summer will mark 100 years of CKRM. On July 27, 1926, 665 CJRM was founded in Moose Jaw. By 1935, the station had transitioned to Regina and became 620 CKRM. In those 100 years, CKRM has established itself for decades as the voice of the Roughriders, covering many great games, great plays, and players like Gene Makowsky among others.
Whether it's covering Gordie Howe's illustrious career as Mr. Hockey or giving updates on the harvest season, CKRM has been present in generations of homes and vehicles as a staple of Saskatchewan radio.
Mr. Speaker, July 18th at the Conexus Art Centre, CKRM will be hosting the 100 years in one night celebration featuring CKRM icons and a dinner. I encourage members to come out and join these iconic figures, enjoy a great dinner, and celebrate the history of CKRM.
People can also check out the CKRM website and enjoy the CKRM scrapbook, timeline, top 100 country songs, and so much more. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the Government of Saskatchewan, I ask that all members join me in congratulating CKRM for 100 years and thanking their past, present, and future team members for their commitment to delivering the news to our province and its people. Here's to another 100 years.
Trent Wotherspoon, Regina Mount Royal
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. To you and through you, it's a tremendous honour to join with the member opposite to welcome our esteemed guests to their assembly here today with CKRM.
100 years is a remarkable thing, Mr. Speaker, and all of those that are here with us today, and all those that have been a part of building CKRM and its success need to be very proud of what they've built in this province. It's an institution to this province.
In many ways, CKRM is the soundtrack to Saskatchewan. When you have CKRM on, you're getting ag updates, local news, community and sporting events, with leaders, representatives and broadcasters with deep connection to this province.
I've grown up with CKRM. I still love it to this day, the SportsCage and the rest of it. But I want to welcome everyone that's here now. I don't have the full list of all of the names of everyone that's here today.
We can remember legends like Fred King, but here today we've got legends in this assembly. I see people like Willy Cole and that flea market. I think you need to bring back the flea market there, folks.
We might be able to vote for that unanimously in this legislature here today on this final sitting day to current leadership like Cody and Gloria. You do a beautiful job showcasing this province. You honour the people of it, the communities that make it strong.
I think, Gloria, you were just out yesterday, last night, supporting a Souls Harbour event, and that epitomizes your kind of service and leadership, all of your service and leadership over the years.
Jim Smalley, what a legend in agriculture and in this province. He hasn't aged a bit. Look at him up there, Mr. Speaker. The focus that he put on agriculture and the world's best producers and proud rural communities is something that we all need to say thank you for.
Perry Nyhus, awesome to have Perry here and his leadership over the years.
One of the warmest, kindest people in the community and in radio is Colin Lovequist. Colin, it's great to see you here, my friend. Thank you for your years of service and leadership showcasing the best of this province.
I could go on and on, but on behalf of a grateful opposition and a grateful province, I ask all members to join with me to celebrate all the leaders and legends that have here today, all those that have been involved in those 100 years of success.
We wish you well for the next 100 years moving forward. In the words of Jim Smalley and good farming.
NDP leader Carla Beck, Regina Lakeview
To the group seated also in the East Gallery celebrating 100 years of CKRM, as Trent said, the soundtrack of this province and certainly the soundtrack of my childhood. They are just incredible icons who have not only accompanied us when we're on the tractor, hauling bales. CKRM was always on in our house.
This is just a group of people whose love and appreciation and knowledge of this province shines through. You've served this province incredibly well and I wish CKRM as an organization and each one of you individually all the best and continued success and thank you for all that you do and have done for this province.
