[1][2] CJUM-FM was one of the two first campus radio stations ever granted a broadcast licence in Canada, the other being Carleton University's CKCU-FM.

[4] Many of the staff and volunteers at CJUM-FM during this early period went on to successful careers in commercial and public broadcasting, including Steve Baidwan, Shelia Baptie, Rick Carter, Liz Clayton, Reid Dickie, Andy Frost, Marty Gold (Goldstein), Dale MacIntyre, Hugh Malcolmson, Howard Mandshein, Roman Onafrychuk, John Quinn, Chris Reichardt, Ron Robinson, and Les Siemieniuk.

At the time, CJUM-FM was renowned also for quality programming produced and hosted by local jazz aficionados—including its two hours of "Morning Jazz" every Monday through Friday—featuring the eclectic selections of such knowledgeable hosts as Raymond Alexander, Maury (Maurice) Bay, Danny Carroll, Neal Kimelman, Bill Mudge, and Kristen Templin, establishing the campus & community station as the "go-to" spot on the dial for Winnipeggers seeking jazz programs on the radio.

In the spring of 1996, a group of University of Manitoba students started a campaign to bring radio back to the campus.

During a referendum that year, a $5 increase in student fees was sought, and passed with 2,520 votes for the levy, to go towards the construction and maintenance of this new station.