WBVM

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 Contemporary Christian 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".

For the radio station in Utica, New York, that previously used these call letters, see WUSP (AM).
WBVM
CityTampa, Florida
Broadcast areaTampa Bay and Sarasota-Bradenton metropolitan areas
Frequency90.5 MHz
BrandingSpirit FM 90.5
SloganTampa Bay's Hit Christian Music
Programming
FormatContemporary Christian music
HD2: Christian radio (The Light)
HD3: Spanish CCM (El Fuego)
Ownership
OwnerRoman Catholic Diocese of Saint Petersburg
(Bishop of the Diocese of St. Petersburg)
History
First air date1986
Call sign meaningBlessed Virgin Mary
Technical information
Facility ID5373
ClassC1
ERP100,000 watts
HAAT262 meters (860 ft)
Links
WebcastListen Live Spirit FM 90.5
Listen Live HD2 The Light
Websitewww.myspiritfm.com

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 and Divine Mercy Chaplet. 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. pp. 1 & 6.
  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
WBVM's studios
Station manager John Morris (right) with Jim Howes, Sacred Classics producer

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