Category: Studios

5989 Susquehanna Plaza Drive – Real Estate Brochure – 2021

by jjtreese, posted in Call Letter, Facilities, Pennsylvania, State, Studios, WSBA

In 2021, Cumulus Media made the decision to place WSBA’s studio building at 5989 Susquehanna Plaza Drive up for sale. A combination of high maintenance costs for the aging structure, technological advances in broadcasting, Covid-era work from home policies and high real estate values led to the decision to consolidate the radio stations with their existing Harrisburg cluster.

This property was the broadcast center for the Cumulus stations of York and Lancaster and was home to WSBA, WARM 103, 96.1 SOX, I-105, WIOV-AM and ESPN 1440. Around the time of this property listing, WIOV-AM and ESPN 1440 were sold.

By late 2021 administrative, sales and radio operations had been moved and the process of emptying the building began. We were given the opportunity to visit during this period. You can see an extensive collection of photographs from our visit HERE.

In early 2022 the build was sold and new owners took possession ending 47 years of broadcast history at this location.

In this exhibit, we present the sales brochure put together by Cushman & Wakefield, the real estate firm representing the sale. This document includes color photos, building statistics as well as floor maps of the facility.

Cushman & Wakefield Real Estate Brochure – 5989 Susquehanna Plaza Drive, 2021

VIDEO: Ed Lincoln’s Farewell – WGAL News Story; October 7th, 1992

by jjtreese, posted in Call Letter, Facilities, In The News, Pennsylvania, Personalities, State, Studios, TV News Stories, WSBA

In the history of WSBA few people could claim the tenure that Ed Lincoln had. Ed started at WSBA way back in 1951 staying with the station for a total of 41 years. In this exhibit, we present a news story written and voiced by reporter Sean Young and broadcast by WGAL-TV in Lancaster marking Ed Lincoln’s final broadcast. This is a rare and very interesting look into the WSBA control room when records were still being played. There are also some memorable names including Jim Horn, Jack Malloy and Curt Hart among others.

Let’s go back to October 7th, 1992 to say goodbye to WSBA Legend, Ed Lincoln.

VIDEO EXHIBIT

WGAL-TV – “Farewell Ed” Ed Lincoln Says Goodbye To WSBA – October 7th, 1992

RARE 1948 WSBA Studio Photo featuring Eugene Lane

by jjtreese, posted in Call Letter, Facilities, Pennsylvania, Personalities, State, Studios, WSBA
Eugene Lane – WSBA Control Room 1948

Here is a rare glimpse into the WSBA control room as it was in 1948, only five years after signing on in 1943. There is quite a bit to see in this one photo and for the radio enthusiast it is a kin to a search and find.

Here are a couple of our observations:

1.) The studio is outfitted with RCA broadcast gear (RCA 76-B Mixing Console, a total of 4 RCA 70-C Transcription Turntables, Western Union Clock)

2.) It appears that the control room was outfitted with two broadcast consoles. Our assumption is that the console to Eugene’s right was for WSBA-FM and the turntables closest were also for the FM.

3.) The performance studio is seen through the big window and the top of the grand piano is visible.

4.) Check out the light box on the wall under the clock. Our assumption is that this would show which station, studio or source was live on the air at that time. (If anyone has any insight into the exact purpose of this light box was please share in the comments below!)

What did we miss? Who is Eugene Lane? If you can help fill in the blanks, please comment below.

Susquehanna Plaza Studios Brochure – April 1976

by jjtreese, posted in Facilities, Marketing, Studios, WSBA Facts

“Welcome to one of the most complete broadcasting facilities in America…”

In this exhibit we present an informative brochure provided to visitors of the new studio facilities of WSBA-AM & FM at 5989 Susquehanna Plaza Drive. This brochure offered visitors an overview of the programming features of each station, a little history and a rundown of the technical specs of each of the new “state-of-the-art” studios.

Susquehanna Plaza Studio Tour: 1975

by jjtreese, posted in Facilities, Studios
Artist Rendition of WSBA’s New Facilities on Susquehanna Plaza Drive

In 1975, WSBA and WSBA-FM were moving into their new facilities in Hellam, PA. This new building was state of the art and was heralded as “one of the most complete broadcast facilities in America.” Let’s go to 1975 for a building tour of the brand new 5989 Susquehanna Plaza Drive.

Entrance and lobby

Rear View of Susquehanna Plaza Drive Studios
Front Entrance of Susquehanna Plaza Drive Studios
Inside Lobby Facing Front with Reception Desk
Inside Lobby Facing West with View of Reclaimed Wood Sculpture
Inside Lobby Facing Rear with Original Spiral Staircase

office and facilities

Lunchroom
Mailroom
WSBA Wall Of Accolades
Executive Office
Executive Office
Executive Conference Room
Office
Office
Office
Office
Creative Department

Studios

WSBA Control Room
WSBA Production Studio #1
WSBA Production Studio #2
WSBA Super Studio
WSBA-FM Control Room
WSBA-FM Production Studio

For a deeper look at the technical specifications of each of these studios, check out the Susquehanna Plaza Studios Brochure – 1976.