• Matt Blaze@federate.socialOP
    2·
    2 days ago

    KGEI was a 250KW commercial shortwave international radio broadcast station. Originally constructed, owned and operated by General Electric, the station opened in 1939 on San Francisco’s Treasure Island. In 1941, it moved to a permanent site in Redwood City. This building housed the transmitter and control facilities; the exterior walls are three feet thick, to better resist any WW II enemy bombings. At the time, KGEI was the only US broadcast station capable of reaching across the Pacific.

    • Matt Blaze@federate.socialOP
      2·
      2 days ago

      In 1960, the station was sold to the “Far East Broadcasting Company”, which changed the format to chiefly Christian religious programming. The station ceased operation in 1994, and its antenna field was razed soon afterward.

      Fortunately, the transmitter house remains in excellent condition. It currently belongs to a wastewater treatment plant now located adjacent to the site. I believe it is leased out as office space.