A popular arrangement adopted by many postwar
FM and TV broadcasters with either CP's or applications.

This configuration consists of an RCA "Heavy Duty" 
Pylon FM antenna and a "Batwing" television antenna

The Pylon not only serves as an FM radiator, 
but also doubles as a supporting structure 
for the television antenna.

Low-band TV channels use three bays,
 while high-band are six bays.

In the Boston area, WBZ-TV CH 4, signed-on 
in 1948 using this set-up on Soldiers Field Road.

WHDH and WCOP, both with FM outlets, were in 
FCC hearings for CH 13 and CH 9 
planning on using this configuration. 
Neither was successful in getting a TV license, at this time.

The WHDH-FM site, on the John Hancock Building,
 erected both antennas.  TV never saw the light of day 
at that location or frequency.
To this day you can still see the pylon and 
"stripped" batwing
atop the John Hancock "weather" tower. 
(click here for current view of this antenna)

Previous month     Return Home