CKON-FM facts for kids
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| Broadcast area | Akwesasne |
|---|---|
| Frequency | 97.3 MHz (FM) |
| Branding | 97.3 CKON |
| Programming | |
| Format | country music/adult contemporary |
| Ownership | |
| Owner | Akwesasne Communication Society |
| History | |
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First air date
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September 29, 1984 |
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Call sign meaning
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Reference to "sekon", the Mohawk word for "hello". |
| Technical information | |
| ERP | 3,000 watts (unofficial) |
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Transmitter coordinates
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44°59′58″N 74°39′19″W / 44.9994°N 74.6552°W |
| Links | |
| Website | www.ckonfm.com |
CKON-FM is a special radio station located in Akwesasne. Akwesasne is a territory that belongs to the Mohawk Nation. This unique territory is located right on the border between Canada and the United States. It also crosses the borders of Quebec and Ontario in Canada.
The station's main offices are in the Akwesasne Communication Society Building. This building is also very special because it sits on both sides of the international border! Part of it is in Hogansburg, New York, and the other part is in Saint Regis, Quebec. The building was built this way on purpose. It shows the strength and unity of the Mohawk community. It also shows their independence from Canada and the United States.
The Mohawk Nation Council of Chiefs and Clanmothers gave CKON-FM its permission to broadcast. The station broadcasts on 97.3 MHz (FM). It is owned and run by the Akwesasne Communication Society. This group is a non-profit organization that serves the community.
The station's call sign, CKON, comes from the Mohawk word "sekon" or "she:kon." This word means "hello" in English.
A Unique Radio Station
CKON-FM is very unusual. Most radio stations in Canada or the US are licensed by their governments. For example, the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) licenses stations in Canada. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) licenses stations in the US. However, CKON-FM is not officially licensed by either of these groups.
Instead, the Mohawk Nation Council of Chiefs officially approved the station. This makes CKON-FM the only radio station in North America. It operates completely under the rules of an Indigenous government. This shows the strong independence of the Akwesasne Mohawk Nation.
Even though it's not officially licensed by Canada or the US, CKON-FM is a powerful station. It uses 3,000 watts of power. Its transmitter is on the Canadian side of the border in St. Regis. The building where CKON is located is on the Canada-United States border. However, CKON's radio tower is on the US side of the reserve.
History of CKON-FM
The Akwesasne Communications Society (ACS) was formed in May 1982. This group worked hard to create the radio station. The founding members were Diane Lazore, Francis Boots, Salli Benedict, Lloyd Benedict, Doug George-Kanentiio, Frank David, and David Brian Cole.
After two years of planning, CKON-FM started broadcasting. Its first broadcast was on October 1, 1984. It began from a temporary location on Cornwall Island. Later, in 1988, a permanent building was constructed in St. Regis. This new building was designed to be on both sides of the border. The broadcasting studios were south of the 45th parallel. This line marks the border between Canada and the United States. The administrative offices were north of that line.
What You Can Hear on CKON-FM
CKON-FM plays a mix of music and local programs. Its main music style is country music. But in the evenings, you can hear adult contemporary music. On Sundays, they play oldies music. The station also makes an effort to play music from local and national Indigenous artists.
The station broadcasts in two languages. You can hear programs in English. You can also hear programs in Kanien'keha, which is the language of the Mohawks.
Some popular programs include an All-Mohawk show. This show is hosted by Teddy Peters. It features Indigenous music and other popular songs. There is also a daily Mohawk Language Lesson program. This lesson comes on after the local news and community announcements.
CKON-FM also covers sports. It is the official broadcaster for the Cornwall Colts. This is a junior-league ice hockey team. The station also provides weather updates. These updates come from WPTZ, an NBC TV station in Plattsburgh, New York.
