November 7, 1933…RCA/NBC Dedicates 30 Rockefeller Plaza Bldg.

On November 7, 1933 NBC held dedication ceremonies and special programs at its new 30 Rockefeller Plaza head quarters at Radio City. Thus began a five day, round the clock, parade of movers from their 711 Fifth Avenue home to their new one at Radio City.

There were 27 new state of the art studios in service, with more yet to come which would occupy two entire floors (6&7), which were left unfinished till November of 1941, when radio studios 6A and 6B were completed.

What we know as Studio 8H was referred to as the “Auditorium Studio” and 8G was called “The Radio Guild Studio”. The first broadcast was at 8PM Saturday night, Nov 11. The inaugurating sound was that of the national anthem performed by the NBC Symphony Orchestra conducted by Frank Black from Studio 8H with 1,200 special guest.

This is the story from the December 1933 issue of “Radio Engineering Magazine”. Happy Birthday 30 Rock! -Bobby Ellerbee

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