For many years the front page of the Advertiser was home to a column by Des Colquhoun. His observations on everyday life, the Adelaide in which he grew up, and the wit with which he wrote were a bright spot in the morning of many South Australians.
Des Colquhoun was Editor-in-Chief of the Advertiser from 1970 to 1978 and General Manager of the Newspaper Division of the Advertiser from 1979 to 1980. He also served as the Chairman of Australian Associated Press.