Talk radio pioneer Barry Farber dies

Conservative radio talk show host Barry Farber died Wednesday at his New York home at the age of 90, his daughter Celia shared in a tweet.

“He told me recently that his concept of death was ‘going somewhere I’ve never been before, like Finland or Estonia.’ May God rest his soul,” she wrote.

My father Barry Farber, beloved, died this evening, at 6:25 pm. He was home, in bed, and we were all with him. He turned 90 just yesterday. He told me recently that his concept of death was “going somewhere I’ve never been before, like Finland or Estonia.” May God rest his soul. pic.twitter.com/5ocWK84gva

— Celia Ingrid Farber (@CeliaFarber) May 7, 2020

Farber has been dubbed the pioneer of the talk show radio format.

His career in radio began in 1960 on 1010 WINS-AM in New York, primarily speaking on political matters. The program quickly became syndicated to radio networks across the country.

He moved from 1010 WINS to 710 WOR before an unsuccessful run for New York City mayor in 1977 as a candidate of the Conservative Party. He lost to Democrat Ed Koch.

Farber was inducted into the National Radio Hall of Fame in 2014.

“I would rather burn out than rust out,” Farber said the night before his induction on his radio show. “I am one of those who will not retire.”

As recently as last year, Farber was hosting “The Barry Farber Show,” weeknights from his apartment on CRN Digital Talk.

Farber was also named “Talk Show Host of The Year” by the National Association of Radio Talk Show Hosts in 1991.