University of Toronto radio first aired in the mid 1960s, when a group of students founded “Radio Varsity.” While they initially broadasted only on campus, the station eventually expanded to FM so as to avoid interference from neighbouring stations, and officially became CIUT 89.5 FM. Since then, the station has been showcasing non-commercial music, alternative culture and groundbreaking spoken-word programming to the U of T community, Toronto and beyond.

Ken Stowar, Program Director, started as a volunteer at the radio station in 1988 and has observed the evolution of CIUT 89.5 FM over the years. “The station never stays still; it is constantly evolving and changing,” he said. “What distinguishes CIUT is balance, presentation and volunteers,” he added.

Stowar stressed the invaluable efforts of the station’s volunteer community, 40 per cent of whom are students. “You are undoubtedly working with the most creative and passionate people from whom you can expect nothing else than a radio that differs,” he said.

One of those individuals is University of Toronto alumnus Jerry Lee Miller. Of his fourteen years at CIUT, Miller said, “I laughed, I cried, I did radio.” His journey into broadcasting began while working at an automobile protection association in the 80s, where he was inspired to develop a show to help students operate cars. Later, his show took on a more environmental tone. “The beauty of broadcasting is that you can be there before anyone else," Miller said. "Often people remember things you say on the radio long after [it's been said]. It will come back to them when they hear someone else say something similar."

With the ease of online communication, the important role of listeners has become even more evident. Stowar is happy to see the care put into shows, all of which are broadcast out of Hart House, reflected in the reactions of listeners. “One listener said that he had to pull the car on the side of the road to finish listening to our program," Stowar said after recalling a particular email. "This type of impact cannot be achieved while listening to a mainstream station.”

CIUT streams live online and offers podcasts of some broadcasts. Perhaps the ease of access has also increased the obligation for quality programming, since every person who tunes in holds each broadcaster accountable. “Broadcasting makes you more self-aware,” said Miller. “It made me more considerate and more reflective. People listen to what you have to say. You are taking time out of their life, and you have to take responsibility for that."

While keeping things fresh after 25 years might appear to be a daunting task, CIUT has no plans to slow down. As those in attendance at the celebration surely noticed, the station is constantly looking towards the future, despite being a somewhat vintage medium of communication.

If you are interested to know more or to get involved, visit ciut.fm.