WTTW Studios

On a crisp autumn evening in 1955, Chicago’s airwaves crackled to life with a new voice: WTTW, Channel 11. WTTW Studios wasn’t just another television station. It was a “Window To The World,” a promise whispered into the homes of Chicagoans. WTTW Studios emerged from the vision of civic leaders like Edward R. Ryerson, backed by the young Mayor Richard J. Daley and businessman Irving B. Harris. Their initial home? Not a gleaming broadcast center, but humble offices in the Banker’s Building, with a “working exhibit” nestled within the Museum of Science and Industry. Imagine the early days of WTTW Studios, fueled by the idealism of bringing knowledge and culture to the masses. The station’s transmitter, a gift from the defunct Zenith Radio Corporation’s KS2XBS, became the literal antenna, broadcasting a signal of change. From its inception, WTTW Studios was ambitious. Daytime hours were filled with educational programs, nurturing young minds with shows produced by Chicago Area Schools Television (CAST). “TV College” brought higher education into living rooms, while “The Storyteller” series, sponsored by Marshall Field & Company, offered enchanting narratives for children. WTTW Studios wasn’t just broadcasting; it was shaping the intellectual landscape of Chicago. In the 1960s, the station sought to expand its educational mission, striving to establish a second channel. This vision materialized in 1965 with the launch of WXXW, further solidifying WTTW’s commitment to educational broadcasting. This ambition continued into the technical realm. In the 1970s, WTTW Studios pioneered stereo sound broadcasting for television, earning its engineers a local Technical Emmy in 1973. This innovation set the stage for “Soundstage,” a nationally syndicated music program showcasing legendary artists like Muddy Waters. WTTW Studios wasn’t just about technology. It was about capturing the soul of Chicago, the pulse of its artistic heart. From the Chicago Symphony Orchestra to the Lyric Opera, WTTW Studios became a platform for the city’s cultural vibrancy. Even today, as you stand before the modern WTTW Studios, remember the echoes of its rich past. The station that began in a modest office building now occupies the Renée Crown Public Media Center, a testament to its enduring legacy.