Published by Alyssa Lick
For nearly two decades, V105.5 FM has been more than just a radio station — it’s been a lifeline, a community champion, and the soundtrack to Vicksburg’s everyday life. Founded in August 2005 by local radio visionary Mark Jones, V105.5 emerged with a singular goal: to provide the city with a truly local, independently owned station dedicated to serving the people of Vicksburg.
What began as one station quickly expanded. In 2006, Jones acquired 1490 AM, later launching NewsTalk 107.7 FM. The station quickly made a name for itself by becoming Vicksburg’s first Mississippi State broadcast affiliate and joining the Ole Miss Radio Network shortly after. High school football coverage followed, amplifying voices from the gridiron with broadcasts of Vicksburg Gators and Warren Central Vikings games that are still community favorites today.
While the music format, a fun blend of classic Top 40 hits from the ’70s, ’80s, and ’90s, has drawn in fans across generations, it’s V105.5’s deep community roots that set it apart.
“We’re the only station in the nation that airs a program about ERDC every week called Beyond the Gates,” said Jones. “We’ve awarded more than $150,000 to local singers and musicians through our annual Christmas contest, and this year, we’re giving away another $10,000.”
That legacy of support goes far beyond music. The station has championed public service and local causes with signature efforts like the Team Vicksburg Report, a weekly calendar of local events now in its 15th year.
During the height of the pandemic, the station faced its share of challenges. “COVID was tough,” said Jones. “We couldn’t see our customers, and businesses were closed. Still, we pushed through, even if it meant broadcasting football games from some rough spots. One of our broadcasters fell through a set of bleachers in Tylertown.”
Yet even in hardship, the station’s humor and humanity shone. Jones recalls a particularly memorable moment during a live broadcast at Bop’s (now Scoops), where a four-year-old guest gave a hilariously blunt “NO!” when asked if he liked the frozen treats. “We learned then: never ask a live question unless you know the answer,” he joked.
Behind the scenes, V105.5 thrives thanks to a dedicated team: Randy Reynolds, Marty May, Emily Tillman, Mandy Harris, Meagan Bruce (commercial logging and billing), Amber Jones (accounts payable and sales support), and a rotating crew of interns and broadcast students. The station has played a key role in mentoring young professionals, including Miss Mississippi contestants and aspiring broadcasters.
Programming remains vibrant with icons like Rick Dees and the late Casey Kasem anchoring key timeslots. The Mississippi Music Show, unique to V105.5, educates listeners about the deep roots of modern music genres, most of which trace back to Mississippi.
Long before digital streaming became a necessity, V105.5 was ahead of the curve. Their app offers seamless listening without collecting personal data, and their global audio stream allows Vicksburg natives across the world to stay connected to home. You can find the app on both apple and android devices under vicksburgradio.
As the industry evolves, so does V105.5. Jones and his team remain focused on a future that blends classic radio values with modern technology and a deep love for the people they serve.
“Helping young people, spotlighting local talent, informing our audience, it’s all part of why we’re here,” said Jones. “And we’re just getting started.”
As V105.5 celebrates 20 years on the air, it stands not only as a source of entertainment but as a trusted friend, a mentor, and a powerful voice for Vicksburg. Whether it’s music, news, sports, or public service, V105.5 remains the heartbeat of the community, loud, proud, and unwavering.
