Rare Layouts Of NBC’s First Studios…711 5th Avenue
Rare Layouts Of NBC’s First Studios…711 5th Avenue
In 1925, RCA spent $1 million to buy New York’s WEAF Radio from AT&T and shortly after bought WJZ . In late 1926 RCA announced the creation of a new division known as The National Broadcasting Company. The new division was divided in ownership among RCA (50 percent), General Electric (30 percent), and Westinghouse (20 percent). NBC officially launched on November 15, 1926 when control of the stations moved from RCA to NBC.
In 1927, NBC moved from their offices at WEAF and WJZ to a specially designed space at 711 5th Avenue. The studios occupied the 12th and 13th floors and as you can see in the images below, most of the large studio were two story affairs. There were seven studios labeled from A to G. Thanks to Joel Spector for these rare artifacts. Enjoy and share!
Here is the building then and now. I think NBC’s studios were in the top block of the building.