Television station to move operations to Springfield

“We feel Springfield has really been devoid of an electronic voice,” said Randall Hulsmeyer, general manager of RTV 32.

When asked when the move might happen, Hulsmeyer answered in the form of a classic TV show.

“That’s the $64,000 question,” he said.

The low-power WWRD, broadcast on cable channel 22, is looking locally for a facility.

“We’re still very early in the move,” he said, “but it’s absolutely our intention to move to Springfield.”

Thanks to technology, the station currently doesn’t have a studio.

“I could do a lot of the switching for the station from my smartphone,” said Hulsmeyer, a Vandalia resident who began managing the station last year.

But, having a studio “lends itself to even more local broadcast opportunities,” he said.

Already, RTV 32 has broadcast local sporting events, including Shawnee High School’s state championship football game.

Plans also are under way for its first local show.

Despite having no TV experience, Springfield resident Michele Hemphill will host “Our Town, Our Time,” a weekly show set to premiere at 9:30 a.m. April 22, with a repeat at 9 p.m.

“I love it here,” she said, “but I think it gets a bad rap from its own citizens.

“There are great things going on. We need to get the word out.”

To be on Hemphill’s show, call her at (937) 215-7807.

Contact this reporter at amcginn@coxohio.com.