We are just about a month away from officially recognizing WRAL-TV’s 60^th birthday. The CBC scrapbook continues to reveal a treasure trove of memories.

April 15^th is usually viewed as the dreaded “tax day,” but in 1959 it was a day of celebration at 2619 Western Boulevard. It marked the completion of the Western Boulevard campus. The broadcast building was already in use, and now the administration building was ready for occupancy.

Robert Sarnoff, NBC Chairman of the Board, and Luther Hodges, Governor of North Carolina, were among the dignitaries who gathered to dedicate the architecturally modern CBC Administrative Building. NBC brought quite an entourage that, in addition to Sarnoff, included Thomas Knode, NBC Vice President, Paul Rittenhouse, NBC Executive Vice President, David Adams, NBC Station Relations Manager, and Harry Bannister, NBC Vice President.

Robert Sarnoff, NBC Chairman of the Board, had the honor of cutting the ribbon.
Fred Fletcher, WRAL Vice President and General Manager, stood beside Sarnoff.

While Sarnoff was in the capitol city, he addressed the North Carolina Legislature. Click on the link below to hear part of his speech:

• http://history.capitolbroadcasting.com/media-assets/robert-sarnoff-president-of-nbc/?from=813

Thanks to Corp’s Pam Allen for this capcom story. Pam Parris Allen is a former WRAL newscast producer/director who now works as a researcher and producer on the CBC History Project.