Community-based Christian station to broadcast hope from First Baptist Church Huntsville
HUNTSVILLE, Texas — As the new year begins, a new sound will join the Huntsville airwaves. Spirit 94.3 FM, a listener-supported, Christian LPFM radio station operated by Spirit Media Inc., will officially go live at midnight on January 1, 2026 — welcoming the community into the new year with “The Spirit of Huntsville.”
Tower and studios set at FBC Huntsville
An 80-foot broadcast tower now stands on the campus of First Baptist Church Huntsville, where Spirit Radio’s new studio facility is being built. The space will feature an on-air studio, production and editing rooms, and areas for guests and volunteers.
Spirit Radio is operated by Spirit Media Inc., a Huntsville-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization working in close partnership with First Baptist Church. That collaboration, leaders say, is built on a shared desire to reach the community through media, ministry, and hope-filled storytelling.
“We couldn’t do this without First Baptist Church’s generosity and partnership,” said Rob Hipp, president and founder of Spirit Media Inc., who also serves as community outreach minister at the church. “Spirit Radio was born out of prayer and a vision to bring people together. Our goal is simple — to encourage hearts, strengthen families, and share the love of Christ with this community and beyond.”
Countdown to launch
With the tower complete and equipment on order, the Spirit Radio team is preparing for the final stages of setup and testing ahead of the January 1 launch. Once on the air, the station will reach listeners across roughly seven miles from downtown Huntsville, while also streaming worldwide on the Spirit Radio app and website. The station is already streaming online at https://www.SpiritRadio.FM.
“Spirit Radio is all about connection,” Hipp said. “We’re here to share good news — not just the stories happening in Huntsville, but the message of Jesus that changes lives. That’s the heart behind everything we do.”
Community insight and support
The Spirit Media team has also received advice and encouragement from others in the local radio community, including Russ Cooper and the Walker County Amateur Radio Group.
“They’ve been kind enough to share insight on equipment, setup, and best practices,” Hipp said. “It’s been great having people in the community who believe in what we’re doing and want to see it succeed.”
Broadcasting hope around the clock
Spirit 94.3 FM will broadcast 24 hours a day, featuring Christian music, local news, interviews, and original programs. The station’s programming will combine national teaching and music ministries with locally produced content focused on Huntsville life, events, and faith.
Among the featured programs:
• Good Morning Huntsville – A weekday morning show featuring local guests, community news, and encouragement.
• Lunch Break – Midday conversations with uplifting talk, faith stories, and positive music.
• Questions of Faith – Exploring life’s biggest questions through Scripture and honest discussion.
• Empowered Youth – A program designed to reach and inspire the next generation.
• Mission Field – Sharing the work of missionaries and outreach efforts both locally and abroad.
• Call to Kneel – Testimonies, answered prayers, and a call to come together in prayer.
• Heroes of Faith – Honoring veterans and community members who live out their faith in service.
• The Gospel Show – A mix of classic gospel and Southern favorites that celebrate faith and perseverance.
• Sunday Worship Lineup – A full church service each Sunday morning, followed by classic gospel music and worship.
“We want the station to sound like Huntsville — personal, genuine, and filled with hope,” said Tyler Fordyce, Spirit Radio’s production director. “Every program and every song will be built around community and encouragement. When someone tunes in, we want them to feel uplifted.”
Built through faith and partnership
Spirit Radio’s story began in 2020 as an online stream known as Spirit Austin. Over the next few years, it grew into a ministry focused on encouragement and worship before forming Spirit Media Inc., a nonprofit dedicated to “Broadcasting Hope.”
Now, with the construction of its tower and studio in Huntsville, that calling is becoming a reality. The station’s partnership with First Baptist Church provides not only a home base but a shared vision — to reach people where they are and remind them that faith still changes lives.
“Spirit Radio belongs to the community,” Hipp said. “We’re inviting churches, ministries, schools, and organizations to be part of this. It’s about telling the stories that make Huntsville special and pointing those stories back to God.”
Supported by local giving
As a nonprofit station, Spirit 94.3 FM is fully supported by the community. Donations fund programming, outreach, and opportunities for youth and volunteers to learn broadcasting and production.
Those who wish to support Spirit Radio can give online at https://www.givebutter.com/SpiritRadio.
“This has been built through faith, prayer, and the generosity of people who believe in what we’re doing,” Hipp said. “Every dollar given helps us reach more people with a message of hope.”
There will also be opportunities for businesses and individuals to support the station through underwriting.
Launching the new year with hope
At midnight on January 1, 2026, Spirit 94.3 FM will officially sign on for the first time — bringing encouragement, worship, and local stories to listeners across Huntsville and around the world.
“Radio still connects people in a unique way,” Hipp said. “It can reach someone sitting at home, driving to work, or just needing encouragement. Spirit 94.3 FM will be that reminder that hope is alive and God is near.”
Spirit 94.3 FM: A local mission with a worldwide vision — broadcasting hope 24 hours a day from First Baptist Church Huntsville.
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