This episode is from the WNYC archives. It may contain language which is no longer politically or socially appropriate.

Starts with "New York City's Own Station, WNYC"

Lots of hiss but improves as program continues.

WNYC chief announcer Tommy Cowan announces the playing of the National Anthem which is sung by Julia Peters. Police and Sanitation Bands play.

Commissioner of Plant and Structures Frederick Kracke announces the opening of the new 1,000 watt transmitter at Greenpoint, Brooklyn. He describes WNYC as "nearly a useless shambles" when Mayor La Guardia came into office in 1933. The transmitter was located on the 25th floor of the Municipal Building which was surrounded by tall buildings that caused interference called "dead spots." Ground on this new facility was broken in November 1935 and in less than two years a dilapidated, discarded ferry slip 'gave place' to this beautiful new building that houses your station's transmitters will increase the daytime power from 1,000 to 5,000 watts if the FCC allows for plans now before it. Kracke describes a transmitter with automatic frequency control and high fidelity modulation capability. He says this means there is no finer station their your own WNYC and it is on a par with the highest quality station in the United States. The Commissioner refers to the 300 + foot towers and talks of testing of "micro ray" like the one used by the Pope at his summer palace just outside of the Vatican. It is to be used for emergencies in any kind of weather or atmospheric conditions - another milestone for New York City.

James Cunningham leads Department of Sanitation Band.

Mayor La Guardia speaks. WNYC is New York's OWN station. He says we found the station in a dilapidated condition and we sought to build it up through the WPA and the Department of Plant and Structures. Today this is the power station, and it is right up to the last minute in all of its equipment. The micro-ray system installed here is the only one in the country. And the only one in use outside of the Vatican. La Guardia says he plans to improve the programs. He says there will be vast educational programs. He wanted to enlarge staff but despite budget cuts but still hopes to recoup some of the lost spots. He talks of regular programs and courses on educational subjects. He also wants to get the FCC to allow inter-station short wave communication to retransmit on our regular frequency - the very finest educational courses. However, the FCC says all inter-station communication must be by wire and not shortwave. La Guardia says the city will reapply with the FCC. He says ruling by the agency is good for telephone company. He thanks Harry Hopkins of the federal government and talks about work relief.

Police, Fire and Sanitation bands play with the Mayor conducting.

Tommy Cowan describes the scene of bands getting together. Cowan says the Mayor will now inspect the transmitter site. (Sound quality improves as program moves along.)

Closing announcer - Gene Marshall.

Added 2011-02-14: (LT941) Commissioner Kracke introduces the president of the Borough of Brooklyn, Raymond V. Ingersoll, speaking on behalf of the Brehon T. Comervell, WPA Administrator. Ingersoll applauds the local aspects of the transmitter and the binding aspects of its location in Brooklyn. Bands play.

Audio courtesy of the NYC Municipal Archives WNYC Collection

WNYC archives id: 43375
Municipal archives id: LT5937