Jackie-Rae Greening Retires After 43 Years at CFCW

Jackie-Rae Greening, a familiar voice in Alberta radio for over four decades, is set to retire from her role at 840 CFCW on March 15, 2024. As the program director and Stingray’s operations manager at West Edmonton Mall, Greening’s departure marks the end of an era for the station and its listeners.

Greening, 64, is known for her warm presence and connection with the community. Her journey began in St. Albert, a city that, during her childhood, still retained its agricultural roots. “In Grade 1, the teacher wrote, ‘Doing fine, but she doesn’t say a word,’” she recalls, laughing at her shy beginnings. With four older siblings answering for her, it wasn’t until later that she found her voice in radio.

Initially aspiring to be an RCMP officer, Greening’s path shifted after discovering her passion for country music. She enrolled in the Columbia School of Broadcasting, soon landing an on-air job at CKGY in Red Deer, followed by positions in Westlock and Drumheller. Despite challenges, including difficulty securing a position as a female announcer in Edmonton, Greening persisted, eventually joining CFCW.

A Career Built on Connection

In 1993, Greening teamed up with the late Wes Montgomery on the CFCW morning show, a partnership that became iconic in Alberta radio. “Wes taught me not to be an announcer — he taught me to be me,” she says. This authenticity was key to her success, allowing her to connect deeply with listeners.

The loss of Montgomery in 2005 was a significant moment in Greening’s career. She had to announce his passing on air, a task that she described as both challenging and cathartic. “It started off really tough but by the end of the week you felt so good — it was cathartic, not only for me but for the listeners,” she noted. The shared experience of grief and celebration brought the community closer together.

Throughout her career, Greening has emphasized the importance of staying connected to her roots. CFCW, established in 1955, has remained committed to its local audience, often focusing on stories that resonate with rural life. Greening’s dedication to this approach has helped maintain the station’s relevance amid an evolving media landscape.

Looking Ahead

As she prepares for retirement, Greening is not stepping away entirely. She plans to continue hosting the Sunday morning classics on CFCW and is collaborating with MacEwan University to incorporate country music into its curriculum. She also looks forward to spending more time with friends, engaging in curling, and enjoying life with her husband, Cliff, whom she married in 1983.

Reflecting on her journey, Greening attributes her longevity in the industry to hard work and kindness. “I worked hard. I played hard. And I was kind,” she explains. In an age dominated by technology, her human touch has resonated with audiences, proving that genuine connection still matters.

As Greening transitions to this new chapter, she leaves behind a legacy of warmth and community spirit. While her daily presence on air will be missed, her influence will continue to shape Alberta’s radio landscape for years to come.