WTVT's Tampa Studio and Tower (continued)
A job well done! WTVT's new studio became operational in July of 1957. Channel 13's facility became a landmark on Grand Central Avenue with its signature twin tower branded with the station's call letters.
The expanded studio in 1957. Minor
alterations to the tower (the addition of Roy Leep's radar) and the portico
entrance
(Channel 13 signage) were the only changes visible from Grand Central
Blvd. in ensuing years.
A beautiful new lobby capped the 1957 expansion.
The production staff was grateful to gain a new, larger studio. The original 'dining room' studio was labeled Studio A, and the new, two story studio became Studio B. Studio B's dimensions, around 49' x 62' feet, was a vast improvement in space for production. Two additional RCA cameras were purchased for the new studio and mounted on Houston Fearless pedestals capable of changing height electrically at the touch of a switch. The control room serving both studios was neatly placed between Studios A and B, with angled-glass positioned so that the producers, directors, and audio engineers could easily see into either studio. The entire renovation was completed by August of 1957.
A brand-new studio for WTVT. Measuring 49' by 62'. Roy Leep can be
seen delivering a weather forecast.
At far right is the control room,
hidden behind angled glass panels.
Studio B would be the main production studio for "Popeye
Playhouse," (left)
"3-D Danny," and at various times "Good Day with Ernie
Lee",
"Newsroom", (right) Sports, and Weather.
Salty Sol's sportscast from Studio B as seen from the new
control room.
The improved studios served Channel 13 for another thirty two years. 'Mary Ellen,' 'Shock Theatre,' 'High-Q,' 'College Kaleidoscope,' 'Breakfast Beat,' 'Church Service,' 'Black Contact,' 'Pulse Plus,' and thousands of commercials were produced out of Studio B. In the early 1970's, a cloth cyclorama was placed on the southern wall. Although the cyc provided a pleasant backdrop for musical numbers, it took away valuable floor space.
The two photos of Studio B shown below were taken from almost identical angles, demonstrating the completely different setups possible in the same studio space!
One Saturday every month during the school year, HIGH-Q
was taped in Studio B. Announcer Dean Drapin is seen in foreground.
Studio B served many purposes, as shown here during election
returns in 1972. Richard Bozeman is operating the G.E. PE-400 camera.
A footnote: The original 1955 transmitter in Riverview was 860 feet high. A new transmitter went on-line in the fall of 1966. Costing $1,250,000, the new antenna was 1,549 feet tall and located about 5 miles southeast of Riverview in Balm. At the time, it was the highest man-made structure in Florida and increased Channel 13's coverage area while improving picture quality.
Back at the Tampa facility, STUDIO 13 was added in 1976 to expand the station's commercial production capability.
THE END OF AN ERA
Gaylord sold WTVT in 1987 to Gillette Communications. In 1989, a new facility was constructed adjacent to the original
building that was home to Channel 13 since 1955. Once the transfer of
personnel and equipment was complete, the old building, along with the classic
'Twin Tower,' was razed.
Ann Williams captured these photos during the demolition of
Channel 13's original studios. |
 |
| The demolition machine has passed WTVT's lobby
and is headed towards the weather department and Studio B. The new building looms large in the background. Eventually, swimming pool-sized fountains will be installed directly over the location of the original Channel 13 studio. |