CKZU-SW

The CBC launched shortwave station CBRX on 6160 kHz (49 metre band) to rebroadcast the programming of CBR-AM Vancouver. The station was used to relay CBC programs to remote areas of the province, the interior in particular. CBRX had a power of 150 watts. The transmitter was on Lulu Island.

CBR-AM became CBU so the shortwave call sign changed from CBRX to CBUX.

CBUX was listed as operating with a power of 500 watts.

The “CB” call letter prefix had always been assigned to Chile and not Canada. Under special agreement, the CBC had been allowed to use that prefix for its stations. As CBUX was operating on an international frequency, the call sign was changed to CKZU in 1965.

On June 30, the CRTC approved the application to amend the licence for CKZU Vancouver by increasing the power from 500 watts to 1,000 watts.

CKZU was almost lost when it’s call letters were accidentally added to a list of transmitters in B.C. that the CBC had requested be deleted. The station continued to operate…at 6,160 kHz with power of 1,000 watts. It should be noted that on Canada’s east coast, the CBC also operated station CKZN on the same frequency, rebroadcasting the programs of CFGB Happy Valley-Goose Bay, NL. It was originally a rebroadcaster of CBN St. John’s. The CKZU transmitter was co-located with CBU-AM’s, near Steveston.

In February, the CBC shut down the CKZU transmitter. The CBC said that the transmitter was in a state of disrepair with no replacement parts available due to the age of the equipment.