WRAL-TV will once again light the television tower for the holidays. |
WRAL will light the transmission tower outside the WRAL-TV Studios, at 2619 Western Blvd. in Raleigh, on Nov. 30, 2012, in an annual holiday tradition that dates back more than half a century.
The lighting transforms the station’s tower into a 300-foot Christmas tree wrapped in more than 2,800 multi-colored lights. Three 5-foot stars adorn the top of the tower, which will glow nightly through New Year’s Day. The tower is a beacon of the holiday season for many.
Before the tower is lit, a professional climber must test every bulb. The lights stay on the tower year-round but are lighted only during the holiday season.
A Tradition 50 Years in the Making
It all began in 1959, with Capitol Broadcasting Co. founder A.J. Fletcher reading “A Christmas Carol” to viewers before the tower was lit.
Over time, the original tradition was embellished with new ones, including musical performances, aerial video from Sky 5 and streaming video to the Web and mobile phones.
Thanks to WRAL.com for this capcom story & photo.
