TV Antenna Deal Signed for WTC Site

[Gregg Lengling]

NEW YORK (AP) -- A group of broadcasters agreed to put at least 22 television antennas atop the 1,776-foot spire planned for the World Trade Center  site.

The Metropolitan Television Alliance signed the agreement with real estate developer Larry Silverstein, who owns the lease on the trade center, the parties announced Thursday.

Though separate, the antennas will appear as a single unit on the skyline.

The broadcasters used antennas on the north tower of the World Trade Center until the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001. Since the towers collapsed, the broadcasters have been using an outdated backup at the Empire State Building  .

The new spire _ planned to contain gardens instead of office space _ is scheduled for completion in 2008. Its exact design and cost are unknown.

The broadcasters agreed to contribute to the construction cost of the broadcast area and will also lease building space for equipment and support facilities.