CFMU began as a project of the McMaster Radio Club in the late 1960s as a closed circuit AM station, under the auspices of the Board of Student Broadcasting.

[3] In 1985, CFMU petitioned successfully to move its transmitter from downtown Hamilton to the top of the escarpment, near Chedoke Hospital.

[3] In 1991, faced with a wattage increase at nearby CFRU-FM in Guelph, CFMU upgraded from 50 watts to a 250-watt stereo transmitter.

[5] CFMU relies on an annual fundraising drive, donations, show sponsorship, and grants to continue serving the community.

[6][7] In October 2024, CFMU won The Hamilton Spectator's Readers' Choice Awards for Best Radio Station[8].