Fanshawe College radio students signed off from 106. 9. The X was for the last time at 10 a.m. Thursday, after completing what may be the station’s final live broadcast.
The show marked the end of a nearly 50-year era for CIXX-FM, which launched in 1978 as Canada’s first licensed campus radio station dedicated to teaching broadcast radio and journalism students.
Last year, Fanshawe announced that it was suspending the station because it couldn’t afford to run it any longer. But earlier this year, the college accepted a proposal from a London community nonprofit named WeRise, which is now exploring ways to keep the station running.
For Fanshawe radio and media production students, Thursday’s morning show was emotional, marking the end of years spent learning live radio and building on-air experience.
Emily Slagter
“It’s become like a family to me,” said Emily Slagter, a graduating student in the program. “It felt like a space where I could be creative and understand how a real radio station works.”
Julia Seitz and Connor Brooks
Her peers Julia Seitz and Connor Brooks, who hosted the last live show, highlighted the challenges and learning moments along the way.
“A lot of firsts… launching songs, forgetting to turn on the mic, even making mistakes on air,” Seitz said.
Brooks said being part of the station’s history made the experience meaningful.
“I’m incredibly privileged to sit in a chair that so many other broadcasters have sat in,” he said.
Over the past 50 years, many producers, journalists and broadcasters have gotten their start behind the mic of 106.9 The X.
During the show, Brooks and Seitz thanked Fanshawe staff, instructors and listeners for their support throughout the program.
“None of this happens if you’re not out there listening,” Brooks said.
