Fanshawe College is soliciting community support to help keep its campus radio station, 106.9 The X (CIXX-FM), operating after announcing it’s pulling its financial support.
The London-based college was among the post-secondary institutions that announced this spring it was suspending numerous programs amid a sharp decline in enrolment, including Broadcasting – Radio & Media Production, Journalism – Television and Digital News, and Advanced Live Digital Media Production.
106.9 The X, which launched in 1978 with the distinction of being the first licensed, instructional campus radio station, has largely been fueled by the emerging talent of students from the radio, media and journalism programs.
Susan Cluett, Senior Vice President Academic, said in a college appeal on Friday that without future students in the program beyond April 2026, Fanshawe is unable to financially support the radio station.
“We don’t want to lose the radio station, but we can’t continue to operate it at significant financial loss every year and without the majority of the students who participate in the operations of the station,” said Cluett. “We value deeply the contributions made by thousands of faculty, staff and students who have learned their craft at the station over almost 50 years and are proud of the fact many of our graduates have gone on to successful careers in broadcasting in Ontario and around the world.”
The station’s current licence term doesn’t expire until 2030.
The college said it’s continuing to explore options, with those interested in partnering with the college encourage to contact Mary Harrison, the Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Language, Regional Campuses, & Continuing Education, by Nov. 14.
