During the 1970’s I was the Executive VP of WITF and as such was responsible for all WITF broadcast and production operations, fund raising, and budget. Since WITF at the time had the only dedicated connection in the area to the east coast AT&T microwave network, during the TMI incident we hosted several US news services such as the ABC network, PBS and NPR, and international broadcasters from Italy, Germany, the UK, and Australia. Several of their broadcasts originated live from our studio in the basement of the Hershey Community Center. We provided office space for them in a room we rented on the second floor of the building.
my dosimeter was positive several times
At the same time we worked to ensure that WITF could stay on the air even if there was an evacuation of the area. Broadcasting magazine later carried an article on our innovative scheme to achieve that. Our services to other networks and broadcasters earned WITF substantial income. We also produced several specials of our own, including “The People of TMI”, and one on TMI one year later, as well as extensive regular coverage in WITF’s TV and radio programs.
Personally, I lived in Laurel Woods, between E-town and Hershey. When I learned, well before the public knew, of a hydrogen explosion at TMI I arranged for my family to evacuate to Charlotte. I stayed to coordinate WITF’s response to the incident. While I never got closer to the plant than a half-mile my dosimeter was positive several times.
Mike Z.