Back in the 1960s, San Francisco had really bad television reception. By many accounts, it was the worst of any city in America.
Good reception required a clear line of sight from the broadcast tower to your TV antenna, and in hilly San Francisco this was a challenge. Broadcasters began the hunt for a location to build a very tall tower that could send a clear TV signal far and wide.
A site was selected and plans were drawn up — but not without a bounty of controversy.
Read the full web story: Sutro Tower: The Origins of an ‘Eyesore’
Video from Jessica’s trip to the top: A Trip to the Top of Sutro Tower
This episode first aired on Jan. 5, 2017. It features question asker Craig Rubens.
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Reported by Jessica Placzek.
Bay Curious is made by Olivia Allen-Price, Jessica Placzek, Adam Grossberg and Katie McMurran. Additional support from Julie Caine, Paul Lancour, Suzie Racho, Ethan Lindsey and Patricia Yollin.
Theme music by Pat Mesiti-Miller.
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