If you lived in Central Indiana anytime between 1998 and 2024, you definitely knew the drill. You’d get ripped off by a shady contractor, or maybe a massive utility company would overcharge you by hundreds of dollars, and your first thought wasn't just "I need a lawyer." It was "I need to call Rafael." For nearly three decades, Rafael Sanchez Call 6 for Help was more than just a catchy TV slogan; it was a legitimate lifeline for people who felt like the little guy getting crushed by the system.
But things look a lot different today. If you've tuned into WRTV Channel 6 lately looking for that familiar face chasing down scammers with a microphone, you’ve probably noticed he’s gone.
The landscape of Indianapolis media shifted in a big way recently. Rafael Sanchez, the Bronx-born journalist who became the gold standard for consumer advocacy in the Hoosier state, officially signed off from WRTV in February 2024. After 26 years, the man who built the "Call 6" brand into a household name decided it was time for a "new path." It felt like the end of an era for local investigative news.
The Legacy of Rafael Sanchez Call 6 for Help
Honestly, it's hard to overstate how much ground Sanchez covered. He wasn't just sitting behind a desk reading prompts. He was out there. He was the guy who would show up at a crooked business owner's door and ask the questions they didn't want to answer.
One of his most legendary runs involved a 2006 investigation into a dog breeder selling sick puppies across the country. He didn't just report on it; he followed the trail until the operation was shut down. Then there was the 2001 hidden camera investigation into a shop selling fake Social Security cards. That one got hairy. Sanchez actually had his cover blown, and the segment featured a chilling voicemail from the suspects suggesting they "shoot it out."
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That was the "Call 6" vibe. It was high-stakes, boots-on-the-ground reporting that actually got results. Over the years, he helped recover millions of dollars for viewers. Whether it was fighting a $253,000 environmental dispute over silt buildup in a local lake or helping a retired police officer get an expedited passport, the mission was always the same: accountability.
Why did he leave WRTV?
When Sanchez announced his departure on social media, he called his time at WRTV a "whirlwind" and an "act of love." He didn't give a specific, scandalous reason for leaving. Sometimes, after a quarter-century in the same building, you just need a change of scenery.
But here’s the kicker for fans of his work: he didn't leave Indianapolis.
He loves the city too much. You can still hear his voice over the speakers at the Indianapolis International Airport, and he still emcees dozens of charity events every year. He’s basically a local landmark at this point.
Where is Rafael Sanchez now?
If you're looking for the 2026 version of that consumer protection energy, you have to change the channel. After sitting out a one-year non-compete clause—which is pretty standard in the TV world—Sanchez officially returned to the airwaves in February 2025.
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He didn't go far. He moved over to FOX59 (WXIN) and CBS4 (WTTV).
The most important part? He brought his brand of justice with him. He now hosts a segment called "Call Rafael," which is essentially the spiritual successor to the Rafael Sanchez Call 6 for Help era. It focuses on the exact same things: government accountability, consumer rights, and quality-of-life issues for Hoosiers.
What "Call Rafael" looks like today
Working alongside Alia Blackburn on the FOX59 "First at Four" newscast, Sanchez is back to his old tricks. The name is slightly different, but the methodology remains identical.
- The Focus: Investigative stories that impact your wallet.
- The Reach: He’s now reaching the massive audience of Nexstar-owned stations in Indy.
- Behind the Scenes: During his "off-air" year in 2024, he actually worked as a consultant and producer for the station, helping shape their investigative unit before he could legally show his face on camera again.
Basically, if you have a problem today, you don't "Call 6" for him anymore. You "Call Rafael" at FOX59.
How to actually get help with a consumer problem
Getting a reporter's attention isn't as simple as just leaving a voicemail and waiting for the cameras to show up. These newsrooms get hundreds of tips a week. If you want your story to be the one Rafael Sanchez picks up, you need to be organized.
First, you've gotta have the "paper trail." Reporters love documents. If you’re complaining about a contractor, they need to see the signed contract, the cancelled checks, and the text messages where the guy promised to show up and never did.
Second, make sure your problem has a "public interest" angle. A reporter is much more likely to take your case if you can show that this person or company is hurting lots of people, not just you.
Steps to take before calling the news:
- File a complaint with the Indiana Attorney General’s Office. This is the official state-level version of "Call 6."
- Contact the Better Business Bureau (BBB). It might feel old school, but it creates a public record of the dispute.
- Send a formal "Demand Letter" via certified mail. It shows the news team you’ve tried to solve the problem like an adult before asking for a TV intervention.
The Future of Investigative Journalism in Indy
There was a worry when Sanchez left WRTV that local investigative news was dying. With budget cuts hitting stations across the country, deep-dive reporting is often the first thing to go because it’s expensive and time-consuming.
However, seeing Sanchez land at FOX59 with a dedicated segment suggests there is still a massive appetite for this stuff. People want someone who is willing to stand in a parking lot and wait for a scammer to come out of a building.
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It's also worth noting that the original "Call 6" unit at WRTV continues on with other talented reporters like Kara Kenney. The brand "Rafael Sanchez Call 6 for Help" might be a thing of the past, but the work hasn't stopped.
Actionable Next Steps for Hoosiers
If you are currently dealing with a consumer issue and need the kind of help Rafael Sanchez used to provide at Channel 6, here is exactly what you should do:
- Reach out to the new "Call Rafael" team: You can submit tips directly through the FOX59 website or their social media pages. Be concise and lead with the dollar amount you lost.
- Check the WRTV "Call 6" archives: Many of the scams happening today are repeats of things Rafael covered a decade ago. Searching their online database can give you the names of "bad actors" to avoid.
- Use the "Hoosier Choice" mindset: Sanchez himself often talks about the opportunities in Indiana. Don't let a bad business experience sour you on the city; use the resources available (like the I-Team reporters) to fight back.
The name on the screen might have changed from a 6 to a 59, but the guy with the microphone is still the same. If you’ve got a story that needs to be told, the "Call 6" legacy lives on through his new platform. Just make sure you have your receipts ready.