Laser (radio)
 
LASER radio broadcast from the North Sea in the mid 1980's. The radio station located on the ship joined the long running Radio Caroline to compete for the audience of the highly regulated UK and low countries (Holland etc). Its format was unashamedly brash American style, however it drew a hugh audience and managed to upset the British government, who attempted, and in many ways succeeded in undermining the radio station.

It is a testament to Laser and also Caroline that the regulated commercial radio scene in the Uk was changed as a result of the competition.

Many of laser's on air talent have gone on to careers in international radio, and also on smaller local stations in the UK. One of laser's big names, that of 'Charlie Wolf' does a lot of work for GWR radio group, and despite problems with English immigration laws in the 1980's, has been given rights to stay and work in this country, so although Laser is gone, Charlie's style can still be heard, when the format permits.

Charlie was involved with the Laser 558 station. 'Tommy Rivers' was also from that era, and made himself an off air living, and can on occasion be heard on air from various radio services.

Andrew Turner heard on the Laser 576 station went on to meet up with Charlie on Atlantic 252 (lw) from Eire.

Others in the radio game, such as John Lewis are maybe not so famous to the public at large, but were highly influential for both Laser and Caroline both on air, and behind the scenes.

LASER was to my understanding three radio stations. The original Laser 730 was to use 729 khz and although tested with balloon antennae's, never went on air officially. Laser 558 was the original as far as the public was concerned, and went really big. After 558 had its problems and ceased broadcasting, like a phoenix from the ashes, Laser 576 appeared. this i found almost as good as the original, however it suffered from lots of problems, and eventually pulled up anchor.
 

All Files Real Audio Format

Clip 0 - Laser 576 khz -  Taster ! - Andrew Turner On Test Broadcasts 1st February 1987 (27 Seconds - 41K)

Clip 1 - Laser 576 khz - Andrew Turner 1st February 1987 - 11.20 - 12.00 (10 Mins 46 Seconds - 1.2M)