RadioRob
Robert G. Hopkins, known as “Radio Rob,” is a pioneering force in community broadcasting, open-source innovation, and digital asset management in Canada’s North. As founder of CJUC Community Radio in Whitehorse and CFET Radio in Tagish, he established the first community and commercial FM stations in their regions, overcoming remote infrastructure challenges with groundbreaking open-source software and sustainable, do-it-yourself solutions. Rob has worked closely with Indigenous communities—most notably supporting Nuxalk Radio in Bella Coola, to develop accessible, community-driven broadcast systems that amplify Indigenous voices and preserve local culture. Through initiatives like equipment recycling and maker space creation, he has empowered Northern and Indigenous Canadians, fostering creativity and vital platforms for community expression.
Rob’s expertise extends into the realm of Open Source Digital Asset Management (DAM) systems, where he developed advanced solutions for cataloging, preserving, and managing both physical and digital multimedia Indigenous cultural assets. His systems address essential archival needs such as efficient metadata management, secure access protocols, and a strong emphasis on educational outreach and cultural repatriation. By integrating technology like automatic metadata tagging, GPS artifact tracking, support for international ISO standards. With robust API integrations, Rob ensures that communities retain agency over their cultural materials and can collaborate effectively with digital repatriation initiatives and language revitalization projects.
In June 2025, Rob’s global impact was recognized on the world stage when he was named a “highly commended” runner-up for the prestigious Sasakawa Award by the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) in Geneva. This honor spotlights his work in making disaster preparedness accessible and community-centered. Over more than 25 years, Rob’s open-source FM radio solutions have empowered remote communities across Canada and internationally, delivering vital information and local voices—often in Indigenous languages—especially during emergencies when traditional networks fail. His low-cost, resilient broadcasts, often powered by simple Raspberry Pi computers, set a new standard for trusted news, public safety alerts, and cultural preservation for isolated and underserved communities globally.
Rob
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