As the cameraman counts down from three, two, one the red light shines to let Mike Royer know he’s live on air.

Since 1990 Royer has relayed news to NBC13 television viewers. A trusted anchorman Royer was on the Alabama’s 13 news team that won an Emmy for Best Newscast.

Growing up, Royer led a much different life. This farm boy from Clay City, Indiana who found his way to Tennessee Temple in Chattanooga for college soon discovered his calling.  

“I love television,” said Royer. “I love the invention. At an early age I was enamored with people on TV and thought ‘how do you ever get to do that’?”

Majoring in history at Tennessee Temple, the first class he ever took in college was a speech class. This led to a volunteer job at the campus radio station and the rest as they say is history.

“I landed my first job in television by submitting a reel to reel audio tape and a Polaroid. It was 1975 and I made $8,000 a year.”

Co-anchoring the 5 p.m., 6 p.m. and 10 p.m. newscasts can take its toll on anyone, especially when having to convey shootings, robberies and stories on the nation’s weakened economy.

But Royer has found his way around that.

Tuesdays at 10 p.m. a show, which he produces, called “The Spirit of Alabama” airs.

“If you don’t see these stories you’re missing out,” said Royer.

Calling these “stories worth telling” which challenge and inspire him, “The Spirit of Alabama” places Royer in touch with people who are changing lives.

Take Mary B. Farr for instance. Farr was an 88-year-old woman who collected cans in Columbiana. On a fixed incomeherself she could most likely have used the money she collected, but instead donated it to her church.

The money collected from Mary B. Farr’s can collections paid for her little country church’s youth programs.

“Although Mary B. Farr didn’t have much herself she figured out a way to be resourceful. She was significant.”

Lou Wheeler, known for sharing his ministries across the country as well as locally, challenged Royer.

Eight days before Wheeler passed away he tapped Royer on the chest saying, “I want you to thing about moving from success to significance. Nothing in your obituary will mention about how much money you made. It will say how you made a difference to someone else.”

Jim Callier who lost his battle with cancer was featured on “The Spirit of Alabama.” Royer asked, “What is your prognosis?” Callier replied, “Mike, mine is the same as yours.”

Contemplating these words Royer came to the conclusion that when you know your prognosis you think about living.

“It’s a good place to be,” said Royer.

Another good place to be for Royer is living in Alabama.

“It’s a great place to raise kids. My son Jack will be a senior at Mountain Brook and is working for the TV station at school will be the voice of Mountain Brook football this fall,” he said. “Will, our 15-year-old, is interested in aviation.”

Thankful for his upbringing he cites his 84-year-old father as one of his three heroes.

Loving his Alabama life Royer says he is blessed, happy and couldn’t ask for much more.

To his viewers he thanks you for watching and if you haven’t tuned in Royer said, “Give us a try, we just might grow on you.”