Alan Baskin departs ARN after 23 years

The radio news world has taken on a very different feel this week, having said goodbye to one of its most respected and experienced journalists.

After more than two decades with ARN, Cruise 1323 Breakfast newsreader Alan Baskin has parted ways with the network, his position made redundant.

In a social media post, Baskin said “Well, after 23+ years at ARN in both Adelaide and Melbourne, the time has come to farewell the place.”

“It seems a network news feed is all they need for Cruise 1323! At least I haven’t been replaced by AI – yet.”

“Time for a rest from getting up at 3am to head into the office. I think some more genteel hours are in order now.”

“Thoughts too with (announcer) Dom Rinaldo, who has lost his gig on-air at Cruise.”

“Just checked my blood pressure, and it’s gone down! Funny that.”

In a radio news career spanning a remarkable 50 years, Baskin started out as a journalist at New Zealand’s 1XX in 1973.

Later that decade, he took up a role at Sydney’s 2WS newsroom, and would go on to spend ten years as News Director at 2GB.

I personally feel sad as I write this, as I am one of many people who’ve had the privilege of working alongside Alan, a mentor across all generations and always a steady and reassuring presence in the fast-paced, ever-changing environment that is the radio newsroom.

He tells Radio Today “I’ll miss the people I’ve been working with, and the Cruise listeners, who are very possessive and passionate about the radio station.”

“They often called up to comment on the news and ask questions.”

On the flip side, he says “I won’t miss the breakfast work hours with 4am starts!”