WBVM
 | |
| Broadcast area | Tampa Bay and Sarasota-Bradenton metropolitan areas |
|---|---|
| Frequency | 90.5 MHz |
| Branding | Spirit FM 90.5 |
| Programming | |
| Format | Contemporary Christian music HD2: Christian radio (The Light) HD3: Spanish CCM (El Fuego) |
| Ownership | |
| Owner |
|
| History | |
First air date | 1986 |
Call sign meaning | Blessed Virgin Mary |
| Technical information | |
| Facility ID | 5373 |
| ERP | 77,000 watts |
| HAAT | 294 metres (965 feet) |
| Links | |
| Webcast | Listen Live Spirit FM 90.5 Listen Live HD2 The Light |
| Website | www |
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, including an annual "Shareathon" pledge drive.
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, and Spanish language programs on Sunday evenings. Some syndicated programs are carried, such as Focus on the Family Minute, Divine Mercy Chaplet and Christopher Close-up. 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]
Programming from WBVM is also 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
- ^ Carter, Kelley L. (1997-06-25). "Airport chief stays grounded with music". St. Petersburg Times. pp. 1 & 6.
- ^ Mildebrath, Dana (April 1, 2000). "Faith meets fun house in radio hodgepodge". St. Petersburg Times. p. 6B. Retrieved 2010-04-14.
- ^ "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 in the FCC FM station database
- WBVM in Nielsen Audio's FM station database