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The tradition of radio and TV engineering on the Brocken dates back to the beginning of TV broadcast. It was determined in 1929 during the first wireless television broadcasting, that the short wave used was not suitable for television. Also, very high locations were required for its transmitters to transmit the very high frequencies required for TV to succeed. In 1934, the post office was given responsibility for building a mobile transmitter. In 1935 the first public picture transmission took place. In 1936, there were live transmissions of the Olympic games in Berlin. From 1936 to 1937 a 52-m-high television station and hotel with 16 floors was built. With the installation of the antenna system in 1938 the television station became operational. With the beginning of World War II, television transmissions stopped. Radio broadcasts on up to 40 transmitters carried on. In April 1945 an air raid by the Americans destroyed the hotel. The transmitter however was spared, to be used by the occupying forces. In 1947 allied troops pulled out toward the west. To justify the Americans having their part of Berlin, Saxony-Anhalt was handed to the Soviets. The Americans left in a state of chaos and the station was a gutted ruin. In 1948 the TV tower was shortened by around seven floors and a flat roof was added. From 1973 to 1976 the new landmark 152 m high metal end transmitter masts were built to enable the transmission of the East German TV channel "DDR 2". Now there is a museum and restaurant, a more modern hotel, and various cafes. The views from the summit are breathtaking and with the correct equipment and right weather conditions, some towns and reference points can be seen up to 80 km away.