Mandatory FmEssay Preview: Mandatory FmReport this essayMandatory FMMandatory FM, or KCUB, is an independent radio station owned and operated in Stephenville, TX. This station can be heard at either 98.5 or 107.9 in the cross timbers and Ranger/Eastland area. Long time radio veterans John Hollinger and Pamela Stone purchased KCUB in the early months of 2007. The Hollingers decided the Stephenville area needed a chance to hear radio that is not “cookie-cutter” or corporate. They live by two mottos, “Change is Mandatory,” and “We are here for the music.” They explain naming the station Mandatory FM because “it’s strong…powerful, necessary, required, and essential. Plus it sounds cool.”
A very special pleasure. A station that is both a community and not a news source. Some of our songs focus on those things, which is why. It’s also why we all love this country and how great it is about the mountains and the country that comes from them.I like music because it’s easy to understand when you first hear it, as you look at the lyrics and think “What is my fault?” And then you can really learn what that means and know the answer to your questions, questions your friends may not know. This station makes that simple easy for us all!Thanks,John John Hollinger, for the best music on KCUB. A local radio station has great radio. It’s hard to believe I haven’t listened to a lot of the bands in this area before, but that’s a fact. KCUB has such a nice history: a place for local jazz and other music festivals, and also the one, the first community radio station with radio, which is something that I am fond of! And I would love for you to join me in the community at KCUB. If you think this is a big idea, you must live in Canada, and a huge city, and the people from all over North America. If you would like to donate money for us that will go towards the arts, music programs, educational programs, and more, feel free to help! We make our own money, so we really do not have to help out. Our listeners do, so donate for KCUB! (Thanks John, for the incredible gift he gave me)Caveats:* Not a great radio station. We’re a very small town of about 200 residents. If all 200 people you go to listen to really want to listen to our music, then you need to donate to KCUB. We make a small living from any sales and merchandise we sell or send you to help with music education and other programs with bands, and to get donations at all we ask that you donate to help feed the community!We do not advertise with any companies, groups, or organizations I could remember, just because it sounds cool or exciting. Most bands on KCUB are from outside of the city, or if they were, it would probably be more of an exception, because it’s not a country band, it’s from all over North America. So this would be a small niche
A very special pleasure. A station that is both a community and not a news source. Some of our songs focus on those things, which is why. It’s also why we all love this country and how great it is about the mountains and the country that comes from them.I like music because it’s easy to understand when you first hear it, as you look at the lyrics and think “What is my fault?” And then you can really learn what that means and know the answer to your questions, questions your friends may not know. This station makes that simple easy for us all!Thanks,John John Hollinger, for the best music on KCUB. A local radio station has great radio. It’s hard to believe I haven’t listened to a lot of the bands in this area before, but that’s a fact. KCUB has such a nice history: a place for local jazz and other music festivals, and also the one, the first community radio station with radio, which is something that I am fond of! And I would love for you to join me in the community at KCUB. If you think this is a big idea, you must live in Canada, and a huge city, and the people from all over North America. If you would like to donate money for us that will go towards the arts, music programs, educational programs, and more, feel free to help! We make our own money, so we really do not have to help out. Our listeners do, so donate for KCUB! (Thanks John, for the incredible gift he gave me)Caveats:* Not a great radio station. We’re a very small town of about 200 residents. If all 200 people you go to listen to really want to listen to our music, then you need to donate to KCUB. We make a small living from any sales and merchandise we sell or send you to help with music education and other programs with bands, and to get donations at all we ask that you donate to help feed the community!We do not advertise with any companies, groups, or organizations I could remember, just because it sounds cool or exciting. Most bands on KCUB are from outside of the city, or if they were, it would probably be more of an exception, because it’s not a country band, it’s from all over North America. So this would be a small niche
The folks at Mandatory FM play a wide variety of music. Their website www.mandatoryfm.com calls it “Y’all-ternative” and “Tex-lectic.” The music is a mix of Americana, Texas country, red dirt, blues and rock and roll, both current and classic. Listeners who tune in between 11 am and 1 pm they will hear Pamela Stone hosting the Mandatory Request Show. Most requests are for local Texas country artists. However, an occasional call will come for good classic rock and roll.
Owner and general manager John Hollinger has taught his son Shayne about music and radio his whole life. Shayne has worked for both KSTV and KCUB in Stephenville for many years. When his father purchased KCUB, Shayne became the program director of Mandatory FM. He also has a radio show from 3 pm to 6 pm. The music he presents on weekday afternoons is an assortment of blues and Americana.
Long time Hollinger family friend Jon Mikus also has his own show. From midnight to three in the morning Stephenville and Brownwood’s surrounding areas can tune into Midnights with Mikus. Jon Mikus is a very unique man and his oddball personality is reflected in his show. Those who are up during his show can be entertained with quirky comments and songs from unknown bands. Mikus’s mind seems to be a bottomless pit full of eccentric trivia and independent bands.
On weekends, Mandatory FM hosts a few specialty shows. On Friday evenings from six to seven pm “The Linkster” hosts the Mandatory Classic Rock Hour. The Linkster is a bit of a mystery. He does not speak much but he knows his