WBVM

Christian radio station in Tampa, Florida
  • Tampa, Florida
Broadcast areaTampa Bay and Sarasota-Bradenton metropolitan areasFrequency90.5 MHz (HD Radio)BrandingSpirit FM 90.5ProgrammingFormatChristian adult contemporarySubchannelsHD2: Christian radio (The Light)
HD3: Spanish CCM (El Fuego)OwnershipOwner
History
First air date
May 26, 1986
Call sign meaning
W Blessed Virgin MaryTechnical informationFacility ID5373ClassC1ERP100,000 wattsHAAT262 meters (860 ft)LinksWebcastListen Live
Listen Live (HD2)
Listen Live (HD3)Websitewww.myspiritfm.com

WBVM (90.5 FM, "Spirit FM 90.5") is a Christian radio station licensed to Tampa, Florida. Owned by the Roman Catholic Diocese of Saint Petersburg, the station broadcasts a Christian adult contemporary music format serving the Tampa Bay Area. The station's studios are currently located at 717 S. Dale Mabry Highway in Tampa, and the station's transmitter is located in Riverview. WBVM is primarily listener-supported through donations, with annual pledge drives such as "Spread the Word", "Hopesgiving", and "Thrill of Hope".

The station's programming includes Christian music, along with programs featuring local diocesan speakers, the Saturday morning children's program Kid's Kingdom with Elle, community features on How We See It, and even Bishop Parkes himself with A View from the Top. Some syndicated programs are carried, such as Focus on the Family Minute, Divine Mercy Chaplet, and Lighthouse Catholic Media. Sacred Classics, a weekly program of traditional choral and organ music, originates from the station.[1] WBVM broadcasts two HD Radio subchannels, including The Light (which carries additional Christian programming), and the Spanish-language El Fuego.[2]

Spirit FM also hosts an annual Women's Conference, available to all women across the Diocese of St. Petersburg. The station often brings nationally renowned speakers and artists to this conference.

In 2018, Spirit FM also had in integral role in hosting the Family Faith Fest, alongside The Diocese of St. Petersburg, sponsored by BayCare.

Programming from WBVM was simulcast on WWLC, 88.5 MHz, in Cross City, Florida, owned by the neighboring Roman Catholic Diocese of St. Augustine. In 2012, WBVM received the Gabriel Award as best Religious Radio Station of the Year by the Catholic Academy for Communication Arts Professionals. It also received a Gabriel Award in the category Best Ecumenical or Interreligious Program for Local Release.[3]

References

  1. ^ Carter, Kelley L. (1997-06-25). "Airport chief stays grounded with music". St. Petersburg Times. p. 5.
  2. ^ Mildebrath, Dana (April 1, 2000). "Faith meets fun house in radio hodgepodge". St. Petersburg Times. p. 6B. Retrieved 2010-04-14.
  3. ^ "The Gabriel Awards". Catholic Academy for Communication Arts Professionals. May 4, 2012. Retrieved 2012-05-07. Category 19: Religious Radio Station of the Year

External links

WBVM's studios
Station manager John Morris (right) with Jim Howes, Sacred Classics producer
  • Official website
  • Sacred Classics
  • ‹The template FMQ is being considered for deletion.› WBVM in the FCC FM station database
  • WBVM in Nielsen Audio's FM station database
  • v
  • t
  • e
Radio stations in the Tampa Bay area of Florida
This region includes the cities Tampa, St. Petersburg, and Clearwater.
By AM frequency
By FM frequency
LPFM
Translators
NOAA Weather Radio
frequencyDigital radio
by frequency & subchannelBy call signDefunct
Satellite radio local traffic/weather
XM Channel 228
Sirius Channel 158
Radio stations in Central Florida
Daytona Beach
Lakeland-Winter Haven
Melbourne
Orlando
Tampa Bay
Other nearby regions
Gainesville/Ocala
Sarasota
Sebring-Arcadia
See also
List of radio stations in Florida
Notes
1. Part 15 station with notability.
2. Station is silent.

27°50′53″N 82°15′50″W / 27.848°N 82.264°W / 27.848; -82.264