There would be very few in the industry now who are ‘one station’ people. Craig ‘Basso’ Bassett is one of them and this month racks up 25 years on-air with the Super Radio Network‘s 2MG in Mudgee.
Basso & local identity Hugh Bateman raise funds for Mudgee Hospital
Basso set his sights on a radio career while still at school, working in community radio in his hometown of Wynyard, Tasmania. In March 2001 he accepted his first commercial radio role as Drive Announcer / Production with 2MG from the new Station Manager Mal Rock. Mal is also still his Station Manager – he’s been with the station 40 years!
Mudgee Broadcasting Staff win the “Magnificent Mudgee – Community & Volunteer Services” award. Station Manager Mal Rock is far right.
In June that year Basso moved to breakfast and has been there ever since. But that’s only part of the story. While holding down his on air role, Basso was also Production Manager, Music Director and, for the last 10 years, Local News Editor. With an enthusiasm for and understanding of the tech side of things and IT, he was a critical part of the station’s studio upgrades and then conversion from AM to FM in 2024. He’ll also help out other SRN stations where needed.
A recent motor show OB
Away from radio, Basso has also been part of Mudgee Fire + Rescue in the role of Retained Firefighter for the past 3 years. He is, on air and off, a “go to” source during fires, floods, the Covid pandemic and even smaller but still significant events such as road closures, which in the region could add more than an hour or two with detours.
Basso representing Fire + Rescue, with his daughter.
In 2023 Basso was named Mid-Western Regional Council’s Citizen of the Year for all the above, the client and community OBs over the decades and the many fundraisers for local people, groups and organisations he has been a part of.
Basso said:
“I’ve loved working in Mudgee, the area is just growing. There’s always something to do and we have such a great team now and over the years I’ve been there. I’m also excited for the future within SRN with new directions and leadership team.
2MG, and sister station Real FM, make local information and serving our community a priority.
I love radio, not only to be a relevant local voice and able to engage with that community, but also for the opportunities to give back.”
Pink Up Mudgee OB –raising funds for the McGrath Foundation
Main image: Basso’s first 2MG radio head shot from March 2001. Images supplied.
Craig is a local legend. What an extraordinary commitment to an iconic radio station. He is, I understand very much a part of the fabric of, not just the town, but the region. A total pro. Many years ago when I was at 7LA, the guy doing breakfast, who was also a shotgun sales rep, told me "it's much better to be a big fish in a small pond, than a small one in a lake" or words to that effect. It's generally very true. Another one I'm aware of is Graeme Day. He's worked at 2ST since he left school. He's an exceptionally good broadcaster with a deep understanding of the Southern Highlands and South Coast of NSW. His morning show is heard in both markets. He is the epitome of a brilliant local communicator. I'm sure he's been at 2ST for over 40 years, with the exception of a very brief period in Coffs Harbour. Presenters like Craig and Graeme are an inspiration. I have the deepest respect for them