My Side of the Mast

This book tells the story of my father's career with a commercial AM radio station, primarily in Adelaide, South Australia. The station was South Australia's first commercial radio station, 5DN, which started broadcasting in 1925. I wrote it as a memoir in response to his desire to tell of his very interesting career and the many opportunities it offered him along the way.

The book title refers to his involvement with the technical side of the radio broadcaster. The 'Mast' refers to the antenna from which the radio signal radiates out to the listeners. The listeners were, of course, on the receiving 'side' of the mast whilst Lawrie was on the transmitter 'side'.

Lawrie's education was cut short due to him having to leave school at the age of 14 and start earning money due to the loss of his family's income and house. This left him at a disadvantage entering the job market but many people were in a similar position following the depression years. Lawrie is an optimist and is very enthusiastic, and his interest in radio steered him in the right direction to be gainfully employed without even making an application! He was willing to take opportunities as they presented.