The TV Antenna

In 1967, the PANYNJ agreed to erect a television antenna on the roof of
the North Tower, because it was feared the structures would interfere with the stations’ signals transmitted from the Empire State Building.
Architect Minoru Yamasaki vehemently opposed the mast, arguing that it would destroy the symmetry of the towers and "throw the silhouette of
downtown Manhattan out of balance." His entreaties were not successful, but various disputes and lawsuits held up the project for ten years.

In 1977, a deal was reached between the PANYNJ and the Television Broadcasters All-Industry Committee to erect the antenna and to give the stations free rent until their leases with the Empire State Building expired in 1984.

In 1979, photographer Peter B. Kaplan documented the construction of the 360-foot mast atop the North Tower, spending twelve days aloft with the ironworkers installing the antenna. Broadcasts began in June, 1980.