Identity area
Type of entity
Authorized form of name
Parallel form(s) of name
- Ukrainian-language radio program Fantasia
Standardized form(s) of name according to other rules
Other form(s) of name
Identifiers for corporate bodies
Description area
Dates of existence
History
In the summer of 1972, Marusia and Yuri Spolsky launched Fantasia, a Ukrainian-language radio program in Vancouver. It aired on CJVB, a newly launched multilingual station owned by Jan van Brucken. This venture came at a time when there were very few Ukrainian-language initiatives in the region, especially on radio.
Fantasia aired twice a week in the evenings, primarily in Ukrainian, but with some English segments to cater to the local community, many of whom were not fluent in Ukrainian. The program featured a mix of content: Ukrainian and local community news, music, advertisements, and interviews. Due to the delay in receiving Ukrainian news from publications in Toronto, Winnipeg, and the U.S., local community events became more central. The show’s music spanned a wide range, from traditional folk songs to contemporary Ukrainian pop and classical music. The Spolskys had access to a rich collection of records from a local Ukrainian bookstore, which they promoted on the program. Interviews included notable Ukrainian-Canadian figures, like a provincial political candidate, although interviews were not conducted live but recorded and edited.
Special-themed broadcasts were highlights of the program, including episodes dedicated to Ukrainian holidays and historical events, such as Ukrainian Unity Day on January 22, Ukrainian Christmas and Easter. One memorable episode featured a classical music program prepared by a family member, showcasing Ukraine’s rich musical heritage.
The preparation process was intensive, with Marusia and Yuri spending up to 40 hours on their first half-hour program. Marusia was the on-air announcer, while Yuri concentrated on technical support. Both Yuri and Marusia did research and script preparation. In addition to news and music, the program also included advertisements from local Ukrainian businesses and occasional community announcements. Initially running for two hours per week, it was later reduced to one hour due to limited advertising revenue.
Marusia and Yuri left the program in 1973 when Yuri Spolsky accepted a job in Toronto, but the program continued to air for an unknown period of time, hosted by Lida Hudzyk.
Places
North America: Canada, British Columbia, Vancouver