A new, low-power FM radio station in Huntsville, Texas, has taken to the airwaves. KHSP(LP) — otherwise known as “Spirit Radio” — made its broadcast debut on 94.3 MHz this month.

Rob Hipp is KHSP’s president and program director. Hipp has owned both IT and sports broadcasting businesses, even working as a play-by-play sports broadcaster at Sam Houston State University and North Dakota State. He said Spirit Radio has long been a vision of his.

“Spirit Radio exists to reach all people, restore hope and point hearts back to Jesus through Christian teaching, music and programming,” said Hipp.

The Contemporary Christian station originally launched its streaming service in November 2020 before becoming a terrestrial LPFM on Jan. 1.

To learn more about KHSP’s mission, and what it took to get the LPFM off the ground, Radio World caught up with Hipp via email.

Radio World: Tell me about KHSP. Why was the LPFM created? What need does it fill in the community?

Rob Hipp: KHSP was created to inspire and uplift our community. When the LPFM window opened, Grant Merrill, a colleague in the broadcast industry, informed me of the opportunity and encouraged me to pursue it. That conversation ultimately led to forming our nonprofit, Spirit Media Inc., and obtaining a construction permit for Spirit 94.3 FM in Huntsville, Texas.

We have a local mission with a global vision to make disciples of all nations. While our focus is on serving Huntsville and the surrounding area through local programming, we also want to reach beyond our community and share hope with listeners across the world.

RW: What was the process like for getting KHSP up and running? How long did it take?

Hipp: The journey from internet radio to a terrestrial LPFM station took about five years. It was not an easy process. There were FCC applications, engineering requirements, fundraising efforts, studio construction and countless decisions along the way.

Building this station from the ground up taught me a lot about patience, perseverance and trust. I am extremely grateful for the support of friends, mentors and supporters who helped carry the vision forward.

RW: How were the studios built? Who helped in the process?

Hipp: The studio is located inside First Baptist Church in Huntsville, Texas, one of the oldest Baptist churches in the state. We hosted a Vision Night fundraiser with around 40 people in attendance, where we shared the heart behind Spirit Radio. That night helped lay the financial foundation needed to get started.

Beyond that, many people contributed through volunteer labor, technical skills, encouragement and prayer to help bring the studio together.

RW: What equipment was selected for the studio buildout? 

Hipp: We are utilizing StationPlaylist as the automation software. I’m also using Dante for routing audio through our network, along with Shure microphones. Nothing too advanced yet.

We’re also using a RodeCaster Pro II board and a Nautel VX300 transmitter. The plan is to eventually update to an Axia console. Plus, our tower is on site. We built it at First Baptist. I’ve been able to put together a professional sounding studio on a very limited budget using prosumer-grade equipment.

RW: How did the station launch go? What has community response been like thus far?

Hipp: The launch was a lot of fun and deeply meaningful. After two years of hard work leading up to launch, we went on the air at midnight on Jan. 1. We wanted to start the new year by dedicating the station to the Lord. We prayed in the new year and shared the vision and mission of Spirit Radio.

We also launched our mobile apps and saw several hundred downloads within the first week, which has been very encouraging.

RW: How many station staff or volunteers does KHSP have?

Hipp: We currently have a small board, and I serve as president and program director. Tyler Fordyce has come on board as our production director. Tyler brings incredible energy to the station. He is an exceptional young man who recently sold a shipping business to pursue his calling in ministry. He brings creativity, passion and a strong desire to serve others.

We also have additional individuals who have expressed interest in volunteering and becoming involved as the station continues to grow.

RW: Anything else we should know?

Hipp: Spirit Radio has existed in different forms for many years, starting as an internet station in Georgetown, Texas. Today, we are already seeing a global footprint, with listeners tuning in from around the world through streaming and our mobile apps. Our prayer is not just that people would be informed, but that lives would be transformed. If that is happening, then we are doing what we believe God has called us to do.

We invite anyone who needs encouragement to listen to Spirit Radio through our mobile apps and to visit our website at SpiritRadio.FM.

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The post Huntsville Gets in the “Spirit” With New LPFM appeared first on Radio World.