Synopsis
This biography of Peter Eckersley traces the origins of a pioneer of the art of broadcasting. Born the youngest son of a successful railway engineer who died when Peter was four, his career starts at school in 1910, when he built an amateur wireless transmitting station. After training as an electrical engineer and serving in the war (R.R.C.) he joined the Marconi Company and, in 1921, began the first regular public broadcasting service in Britain. He became the fifth employee of the British Broadcasting Company. As Chief Engineer, he forged the BBC network. Eckersley's career as both an engineer and popular broadcaster ended when he was sacked by Sir John Reith for being involved in a divorce. He was then involved in the dangerous politics of the 1930's. He acted as a mercenary for European commercial radio, was a founder of wireless transmission by wire (now Cable) and, from 1937-39, helped MI6 to build up their secret propaganda broadcasts against Hitler from radio stations in Europe while being an anti-war supporter. His unusual career was characterised by real achievement and personal disaster.
His love of fun, enlightenment and passion for broadcasting is apparent throughout his life. In the present celebrations for 75 years of British broadcasting, the biography is a fittng memorial to a remarkable, if forgotten pioneer.
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