WBVM
{{short description|Christian radio station in Tampa, Florida}}
{{For|the radio station in Utica, New York, that previously used these call letters|WUSP (AM)}}
{{Use American English|date=February 2025}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=January 2025}}
{{Infobox radio station
| name = WBVM
| logo = Spiritfm logo rgb lg.png
| caption = WBVM Spirit FM 90.5 2020 logo
| city = Tampa, Florida
| area = Tampa Bay and Sarasota-Bradenton metropolitan areas
| branding = Spirit FM 90.5
| airdate = May 26, 1986
| frequency = 90.5 MHz {{HD Radio}}
| format = Christian adult contemporary
| subchannels = HD2: Christian radio (The Light)
HD3: Spanish CCM (El Fuego)
| erp = 100,000 watts
| haat = {{convert|262|meters}}
| class = C1
| facility_id = 5373
| coordinates =
| callsign_meaning = W Blessed Virgin Mary
| former_callsigns =
| affiliations =
| owner = Roman Catholic Diocese of Saint Petersburg
| licensee = Bishop of the Diocese of St. Petersburg
| sister_stations =
| webcast = [https://spirit-fm.streamguys1.com/spiritfm Listen Live]
[https://spirit-fm.streamguys1.com/thelight Listen Live (HD2)]
[https://spirit-fm.streamguys1.com/elfuego Listen Live (HD3)]
| website = {{URL|www.myspiritfm.com}}
| licensing_authority= FCC
}}
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.{{cite news|title=Airport chief stays grounded with music|last=Carter|first=Kelley L.|date=1997-06-25|work=St. Petersburg Times|url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/326556066|page=5}} WBVM broadcasts two HD Radio subchannels, including The Light (which carries additional Christian programming), and the Spanish-language El Fuego.{{cite news|title=Faith meets fun house in radio hodgepodge|date=April 1, 2000|work=St. Petersburg Times |url=https://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/sptimes/access/52114771.html?FMT=ABS&FMTS |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130131150410/http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/sptimes/access/52114771.html?FMT=ABS&FMTS |url-status=dead |archive-date=January 31, 2013 |page=6B|access-date=2010-04-14 | first=Dana | last=Mildebrath}}
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.{{cite web|title=The Gabriel Awards |date=May 4, 2012|publisher=Catholic Academy for Communication Arts Professionals|url= http://home.catholicweb.com/GabrielAwards/index.cfm/NewsItem?ID=335461&From=Home|quote=Category 19: Religious Radio Station of the Year |access-date=2012-05-07}}
References
{{reflist}}
External links
File:WBVM-FM (Tampa) studios.jpgFile:WBVM-FM (Tampa) studios2.jpg, Sacred Classics producer]]
- {{Official website|www.spiritfm905.com}}
- [http://www.sacredclassics.com Sacred Classics]
{{FM station data|5373|WBVM}}
{{Tampa Bay Radio}}
{{coord|27.848|N|82.264|W|type:landmark_region:US_source:FCC|display=title}}
Category:Catholic radio stations