CKCU Board of Trustees is pleased to announce the arrival of a new Station Director, Lia Kiessling.
Lia holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism from Carleton University and is a longtime listener and supporter of CKCU FM. After 17 years in Switzerland working in communications, advocacy and membership roles at the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), the Internet Society and MSC Cruises, she is back in her hometown of Ottawa to join the CKCU community.
Lia brings decades of experience managing large teams of volunteers and overseeing complex budgets. With a long-standing passion for grassroots media, Lia is thrilled to be returning to a field that aligns so closely with her values.
“Lia also brings extensive fundraising expertise,” says Corrie Rabbe, Chair of the CKCU Board of Trustees. “The Board was especially impressed by her transparent, collaborative leadership style and her clear, inspiring vision for CKCU’s future. We’re confident in her ability to lead the station effectively and to navigate the challenges of today’s rapidly evolving media and economic landscape.”
“I’m thrilled to be joining CKCU — the community radio station I grew up listening to,” said Lia. “For 50 years, CKCU has been at the heart of Ottawa, supporting local people to be active in their community and have a voice in the media. I’m deeply grateful to the Board for their trust and I’m honoured to help carry that legacy forward.”
“It’s been a true privilege to serve as CKCU’s Interim Station Director,” said Anne-Marie, who has been
involved in local community radio for nearly 25 years. “I leave with a full heart and immense pride, having
met — and even exceeded — our fundraising goals in both 2023 and 2024. Together with our incredible staff and devoted volunteers, we reconnected CKCU with the community — from event tables to live broadcasts — and even relaunched the CKCU Kids Summer Radio Camp, a joyful mix of chaos, laughter, and learning. I’m confident that with Lia Kiessling now leading the way, the station is in excellent hands.”
As the leadership torch passes from the Interim Station Director to a permanent one, Corrie Rabbe shared, “On behalf of the CKCU Board, staff, and volunteers, I want to extend our heartfelt appreciation to Anne-Marie Brügger, who stepped into the role in 2023, and led the station with outstanding professionalism, dedication, and integrity. Having restored a strong sense of purpose and excitement at CKCU, she leaves the organization on solid financial and operational footing. We are sincerely grateful for her efforts in raising the profile of our community radio station and strengthening its future.”
Sep 17 Irene's Pub
Sep 18-21 Club SAW + Gallery 101
Sep 18 Minto Park
Sep 19 The Gladstone Theatre
Sep 19 Canadian Museum Of History
Sep 19 Klimat Cafe & Garden
Sep 19 Irene's Pub
Sep 19 GRIDWRKS
Sep 20 Taste Of Wellington
Sep 20 Office Of The Prime Minister
Sep 20 Red Bird Live
Sep 20 House Of TARG
Sep 23 Avant-Garde Bar
Sep 24-28 Irene's Pub
Sep 26 House Of TARG
Sep 26 Motel Chelsea
Sep 27 Arts Court
Sep 28 The 27 Club
Sep 28 Great Canadian Theatre Company
Sep 29 Carleton-Dominion Chalmers Centre
Oct 1 The 27 Club
Oct 3 Avant-Garde Bar
Oct 3 Irene's Pub
Oct 4 Irene's Pub
Oct 9 LIVE! on Elgin
Oct 10 Dominion Tavern
Oct 15 Irene's Pub
Oct 16 The 27 Club
Oct 17 Irene's Pub
Oct 18 National Arts Centre - Southam Hall
Oct 18 Dominion Tavern
Oct 19 Motel Chelsea
Oct 23-26 La Fab Sur Mill Arts Centre
Oct 24 - Nov 9 Ottawa
Oct 24 Carleton-Dominion Chalmers Centre, after party Woodside Hall
Oct 24 Irene's Pub
Oct 26 Club SAW
Oct 26 Dominion Tavern
Oct 31 - Nov 8 Studio Cimetière & Gavan's Hotel