Windsor's beloved community radio station CJAM 99.1 FM has officially launched its annual pledge drive, setting an ambitious fundraising target of $40,000 to sustain its diverse programming. The non-profit, volunteer-driven station, which has been broadcasting for 43 years, kicked off its week-long campaign on Friday, February 24, 2026.
A Critical Crossroads for Community Radio
Station manager Garth Jackson emphasized the importance of this fundraising effort in a recent news release, stating that community radio stands at a critical crossroads. "Independent, not-for-profit radio stations like CJAM are more important than ever," Jackson declared. "Our listeners, supporters and volunteers make what we do possible—keeping unique voices and music on the Windsor-Detroit airwaves."
The $40,000 goal represents a significant 40 percent of the station's annual operating budget, highlighting just how crucial listener support is for CJAM's continued existence. As a campus-based station operating from the University of Windsor, CJAM has built a remarkable legacy of broadcasting music, spoken word, and multicultural programming to audiences on both sides of the border.
Celebrating Diversity Through Programming
CJAM's programming reflects the station's commitment to diversity and creativity. From Trevor Klundert's "Girlie So Groovy" to Christien Gagnier's "Songlines" and Cameron Well's "Handilink," the station offers stories and music from countless different perspectives. This eclectic mix has become a hallmark of the station's identity over its four decades of operation.
Program director Heloisa Selles shared insights into the station's transformative impact on volunteers and hosts. "It is truly a joy to see people go from having no experience and being uncertain about what they have to contribute to literally finding their voice," Selles explained. "They become confident in their musical choices, advocates for what they believe, and aware of their importance in the community."
Launch Party at Phog Lounge
To celebrate the beginning of pledge week, CJAM will host a special launch party at Phog Lounge on Saturday, February 25, at 9 p.m. The event will feature acoustic sets from several notable acts, including Pneumatic T Bar and Nate Blackton, The Pushmowers, and The Moonlight Circus from Niagara.
Admission to the celebration is $10 at the door, and attendees will have the opportunity to purchase exclusive CJAM merchandise. This event serves as both a fundraiser and a community gathering, bringing together supporters of independent radio in Windsor.
Multiple Ways to Support
Listeners and community members can contribute to CJAM's fundraising goal through several convenient methods:
- Online donations at CJAM.ca or GroupRev.com
- Phone pledges at 519-971-3630 or 1-855-DIG-CJAM (1-855-344-2526)
- In-person contributions at the station on the University of Windsor campus
The pledge week runs from February 27 to March 6, giving supporters a full week to help CJAM reach its $40,000 target. As the station depends entirely on listener support and independent business partnerships, this annual drive represents a vital lifeline for maintaining operations.
For 43 years, CJAM has served as a unique voice in the Windsor-Detroit media landscape, providing programming that commercial stations often overlook. This year's fundraiser comes at a particularly crucial time as community radio faces increasing challenges in the digital age.
