Before creating The Archers, Godfrey worked in the Ministry of Information and in the Outside Broadcast Department of the BBC in the Midlands, delivering radio programmes about rural life and farming.
Inspiration came from a meeting organised by newly appointed Controller in the Midland Region, John Dunkerly, and held in the City of Birmingham's Council Chamber.
His efforts were, however, rescued by his secretary, Norma, and he sought out professional writers, Ted Mason and Geoffrey Webb, co-writers of Dick Barton.
Godfrey Baseley was Editor of The Archers from 1950 to 1967 but by 1967 he was two years past the normal BBC official retirement age of 60.
This, along with changes to The BBC hierarchy and new directives prompted Baseley's departure from the Archers, and he was succeeded by Malcolm Lynch editor of Granada's Coronation Street.