Broadcasting since 1974, 91.9 KCSS has been the voice of Stan State. An entirely student-run station that gives learners a platform to share music, ideas and creativity across the airwaves.
Located inside Demergrasso-Bava Hall 125 (DBH), just around the corner from the Communication Studies Department, the station is, as General Manager Greg Jacquay describes it, “a little hidden gem.”
Jacquay has a long history with KCSS. He first joined the station as a junior at Stan State after taking a radio class. He enjoyed the experience so much that, thirty-two years later, he still calls the station home.
“How really connected everybody is, and like it probably feels very family-oriented,” Jacquay says.
He explains that KCSS has evolved tremendously over the years, growing from a 150-watt to a 6,000-watt station whose signal reaches listeners across California.
The station is mainly student-run, where students take calls and song requests from loyal listeners. KCSS hosts a wide variety of music genres from American to Hip-hop, Blues, Rock, and Electronic.
Students are encouraged to host their own radio shows, explore the genres that resonate with them most, and create programming that reflects their personal style.
“Radio has evolved to where now we talk about radio within a video game and we talk about using virtual reality and using augmented reality and then having a radio station involved with that,” he said.
KCSS is not only home to live radio, but also a hub for creative projects including voice-over work for video game characters and virtual reality environments.
Production engineer Luis Mincey (Senior, Music) witnesses the station’s creative energy firsthand.
“A professor’s going to come in and has his own show displaying Spanish and Latino heritage,” Mincey said.
He has worked at the station for almost two years and now teaches students the fundamentals of sound production. How to use microphones correctly, how to record and edit clean audio and how to troubleshoot issues during live shows.
“It’s about being unafraid of adding your own personal input to the station,” he said.
He emphasizes that KCSS encourages experimentation and self-expression, and notes that hands-on experience helps students build confidence with the equipment and within themselves.
Outside the studio, Mincey and the KCSS team bring their work into the community. The station DJs at campus and local events, from “Trunk or Treat” in October to fraternity gatherings and cross-country meets.
“It’s a great way for students to connect with people face-to-face and brings KCSS energy outside the booth,” he said.
These events not only promote KCSS but also strengthen its bond with the Stan State community.
Running a radio station may seem simple from the outside, but for program director Adin Dibble (Senior, Communication Studies), the job requires constant coordination, organization and mentorship as he helps students gain the confidence to perform a live solo show.
“The best way to get involved in the station is through the Radio Production Lab course,” Dibble said.
The class taught by Greg Jacquay provides the foundations for broadcasting. Even students not enrolled in the course can participate, and community members often host their own weekly shows, adding further variety to the programming lineup.
Dibble oversees much of the station’s daily programming and operations, making sure tracks run smoothly and, most importantly, training new incoming broadcasters. He teaches them the ins and outs of KCSS.
His role requires patience and passion, but for Dibble, the reward comes in watching students grow behind the mic.
“After a few weeks, they come in, and they’re just excited to do their show and so they’re no longer as nervous about going on air as they were,” Dibble said.
KCSS continues to be more than just a radio station. It’s a creative space that connects students, faculty and the community through sound. Whether it’s recording a podcast, learning to DJ or simply tuning in KCSS reminds everyone that every voice on campus has a place to be heard.
