CHSR-FM is a Canadian campus-community radio station broadcasting at 97.9 FM in Fredericton, New Brunswick. Owned and operated by the University of New Brunswick Student Union, the station serves both the University of New Brunswick (UNB) and St. Thomas University (STU) communities, as well as the broader Fredericton area. It is known for its eclectic and alternative programming, much of which is produced by student and community volunteers.
History
The origins of CHSR-FM can be traced back to the 1960s with a campus-based carrier current station at the University of New Brunswick. For many years, it operated as an unlicensed or limited-reach campus radio service. In the early 1980s, efforts were made to secure a full FM broadcast license from the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC). CHSR-FM officially began broadcasting on the FM dial at 97.9 MHz in 1984, establishing itself as a fully licensed campus-community station.
Programming
CHSR-FM's programming schedule is diverse, featuring a wide array of musical genres that often go unrepresented on commercial radio, including independent, local, punk, metal, electronic, folk, world, and experimental music. Beyond music, the station also offers spoken word programming, public affairs shows, news, and segments dedicated to community issues and arts. A significant portion of its content is produced by student volunteers from both UNB and STU, along with members of the Fredericton community, providing a platform for diverse voices and local talent.
Community Role
As a campus-community station, CHSR-FM plays a vital role in Fredericton. It serves as a training ground for students interested in broadcasting, journalism, and media production, offering hands-on experience in a live radio environment. For the wider community, it provides an alternative to mainstream media, broadcasting local music, arts events, and public interest content. The station is a significant advocate for local musicians and artists, often being the first to play their work on the airwaves and promoting local cultural events. It also acts as an independent voice for student concerns and community issues.