Bernie McGuirk, “the brains” of 77 WABC’s Bernie & Sid in The Morning radio show, has died of prostate cancer. He was 64.
Along with Sid Rosenberg, McGuirk co-hosted the morning show beginning in April 2018 and helped it rise on the charts of most popular New York morning drive programs. The station will air a tribute to him including memories and thoughts from WABC staff on Oct. 11.
“Bernie was my partner and my friend,” Rosenberg said. “He was always the smartest guy in the room, and I was fortunate to be the guy next to him. I know our listeners join me in grieving the loss to radio and to New York.”
McGuirk started at WABC in 2007 as executive producer of the Imus in the Morning Show, a show he had been with since 1988 at two other stations, WNBC Radio and WFAN Radio. He provided color commentary throughout the show, as well.
McGuirk joined Bernie & Sid in 2016 in the 10 a.m. slot before moving to the morning drive timeslot. Earlier in his career, he worked in the promotions, network, and local news divisions at NBC. He was born in the Bronx and was a graduate of the College of Mount St. Vincent.
“Bernie was not just half of Bernie & Sid in the Morning; Bernie was part of the fabric of WABC,” said Chad Lopez, president of WABC. “Listeners from all around the world started their days with Bernie’s charismatic wit and insight, from tragic events to American’s day to day life. His absence will leave a hole not just at WABC but across the airwaves and in America’s hearts. Bernie was our brother, our friend, our mentor, our colleague. We will all miss Bernie more than words can express.”
McGuirk died just weeks before his 65th birthday. He is survived by his wife Carol, and their two children, Brendan and Melanie.
