New LPFM Christian radio station begins broadcasting at midnight Jan. 1, dedicating mission to Huntsville and listeners worldwide
HUNTSVILLE, Texas — Spirit 94.3 FM officially signed on the air at midnight January 1, 2026, beginning the new year with prayer and a clear commitment to serving the Huntsville community through faith-based programming.
The low-power FM Christian radio station launched its first moments on the air by praying in the new year and dedicating the station, its mission and the community it serves to God. On air for the launch were Rob Hipp, president and founder of Spirit Media Inc; Jason Bay; and Tyler Fordyce, who together prayed over the station and the city as the calendar turned to a new year.
Broadcasting as Spirit 94.3 FM, the station operates as a 501(c)(3nonprofit low-power FM outlet, offering Christian teaching, worship music and locally focused programming designed to encourage listeners and point hearts toward Jesus Christ.
A midnight launch years in the making
Going live at midnight on New Year’s Day was intentional, according to Hipp, who said the timing reflected both a spiritual dedication and a fresh beginning.
“We wanted the very first thing people heard on Spirit 94.3 to be prayer,” Hipp said. “This station exists for the community. From the very beginning, we wanted to dedicate it to the Lord and ask Him to use it to lead people to Christ and strengthen families right here in Huntsville.”
Spirit Radio began years ago as an internet-only station before the Federal Communications Commission opened a filing window for new LPFM stations. After encouragement from a colleague in the broadcast industry, Hipp pursued the opportunity, forming Spirit Media Inc. and beginning the process of bringing a terrestrial Christian radio station to Huntsville.
Built through faith, perseverance and community support
The journey from online radio to an on-air FM station took roughly five years and required navigating FCC applications, engineering requirements, fundraising efforts and studio construction.
“There were a lot of moving parts and a lot of waiting,” Hipp said. “This station was built step by step through faith, perseverance and the generosity of people who believed in the mission.”
Spirit Radio’s studios are located inside First Baptist Church Huntsville, one of the oldest Baptist churches in Texas. The church partnered with Spirit Media Inc. to provide space for the studios and support the station’s mission.
A Vision Night fundraiser hosted at the church helped establish the financial foundation needed to move forward, while volunteers assisted with construction, technical setup and ongoing support.
Serving Huntsville while reaching beyond it
As an LPFM station, Spirit 94.3’s over-the-air signal is intentionally limited. The station’s FM broadcast reaches roughly a five-mile radius from downtown Huntsville and does not blanket the entire county.
“That’s the nature of LPFM,” Hipp said. “Our heart is local, and our signal reflects that. But our reach doesn’t stop there.”
Listeners outside the FM coverage area can tune in worldwide through Spirit Radio’s digital platforms. The station offers advanced mobile apps that support Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, allowing listeners to stay connected at home, at work or on the road. Station leaders say the apps are under constant development and improvement to better serve listeners.
“Technology allows us to take a local mission and share it globally,” Hipp said. “People can listen from anywhere in the world, and that’s incredibly exciting.”
A mission centered on changed lives
Spirit Radio’s mission is to reach people, restore hope and point hearts back to Jesus through Christ-centered programming. While early response to the launch has been encouraging, station leadership says success will not be measured by audience size alone.
“Our prayer is not just that people would be informed,” Hipp said. “We want lives to be transformed. If someone hears the gospel, finds encouragement in a difficult season, or takes a step closer to Christ because of Spirit Radio, then we are doing what we believe God has called us to do.”
Fordyce, who recently sold a shipping business to pursue a calling in ministry, serves as production director and plays a key role in shaping the station’s sound and programming.
“He brings creativity, passion and a servant’s heart,” Hipp said. “You can feel his love for people and for ministry in everything he does.”
How to listen
Spirit 94.3 FM is available locally on 94.3 FM within the Huntsville area. Listeners can also stream the station live worldwide at https://www.spiritradio.fm or download the Spirit 94.3 mobile app at https://onelink.to/4pmbrk.
Station leaders say the invitation is open to anyone seeking encouragement, hope or a deeper connection to faith.
“This station is about the community,” Hipp said. “If you need hope, Spirit Radio is here for you.”