SPRINGFIELD, IL (WTAX) – For Springfield citizen James Johnson (pictured), something’s missing.

“Last year, we celebrated fifty years of hip hop,” Johnson told aldermen. “And I think I live in the capital of Illinois, Springfield. and segments of our community don’t even have a radio station where we can listen, hear, call in, do any of that.”

Johnson said it goes beyond music which appeals to Blacks; a Black-focused radio station, he said, could broadcast missing-persons information and promote local events.

Pointing out the city council has no control over private companies’ business decisions, Ald. Ralph Hanauer singled out for praise the station which broadcasts high school sports. Other than that, Hanauer said, Springfield has become a news desert

But Ald. Chuck Redpath said that’s not all.

“I listen to Dave Dahl, mostly, because he gives me all my information.”

Johnson suggested aldermen contact the state’s two U.S. senators.