Conservative radio talk host Bernard “Bernie” McGuirk died Wednesday at the age of 64 after a battle with prostate cancer, his network announced early Thursday.
McGuirk co-hosted WABC’s “Bernie and Sid in the Morning” with co-host Sid Rosenberg and formerly served as a personality and executive producer for the late Don Imus on his show, “Imus in the Morning,” WABC said in a statement. The network plans to air a special tribute to McGuirk scheduled for Oct. 11.
Chad Lopez, the president of WABC’s parent company, Red Apple Media, announced McGuirk’s passing on the air Thursday morning.
“Bernard McGuirk, husband, father and our friend passed away yesterday, Oct. 5th, in the company of his family. Bernie courageously battled cancer for all to see and hear, in a manner that was inspiring to all of us,” he said.
“He will be missed by all that knew him and listened to him, a true gentleman. He is the fabric of the morning show,” Lopez continued. “He is the morning show and was the backbone of this entire radio station. Our thoughts and prayers are with the McGuirk family, and Tuesday we will have a tribute show honoring the life of Bernard McGuirk.”
On behalf of John and Margo Catsimatidis and the entire #WABC family, it is with deep sadness and heavy hearts that we share the news of the passing of our beloved colleague and friend, Bernie McGuirk.
We will all miss Bernie more than words can express. pic.twitter.com/871vTvEZoB
— Bernie & Sid in the Morning (@bernieandsid) October 6, 2022
McGuirk began his radio career in New York City in 1986 after graduating from the College of Mount Saint Vincent in the Bronx, the network reported. He came to WABC in 2007 to host Imus’ show before beginning his latest program in 2018. His recent show became the top rated morning show in New York after Red Apple Media purchased the network in March 2020, the New York Post reported. (RELATED: Liberals Reacted As You Can Imagine To Rush Limbaugh’s Death, By Sneering And Celebrating)
McGuirk, a supporter of former President Donald Trump, paired with Rosenberg, a supporter of Hillary Clinton, on the radio during the lead-up to the 2016 election, according to the Post. When the two began hosting a show together in 2018, Trump appeared as one of their first guests. The late host also appeared occasionally on Fox News.
McGuirk is survived by his wife, Carol, and his two children, Brendan and Melanie, according to the network.