R.I.P.: Maria Garcia, Veteran NY-Miami Radio Broadcaster

Maria Garcia, a beloved veteran radio personality, passed away on July 12 at the age of 52. She had a remarkable career, working in major markets like Miami and New York. Garcia was known for her vibrant personality and significant contributions to the radio industry, earning multiple awards, including two Gracie Awards.

Garcia, a Miami native, began her career in her hometown, holding positions at WINZ-AM, WIOD-AM and WHQT-FM. In 1996, she relocated to New York, where she worked as a news writer and traffic reporter for WCBS-AM. By October 1997, she had joined Cox CHR 106.1 WBLI as a morning co-host alongside Steve Harper.

Garcia's career then took her back to Miami, where she was part of Cox Radio's Hot AC WFLC (97.3 The Coast) from 2006 to 2009. She later returned to New York and Long Island, contributing to stations such as WALK-FM, WKJY-FM, WCBS, WABC-AM, WINS-AM, WEMP (FM News 101.9), WNYW-TV and CBS News Radio.

Garcia moved to New York with her future husband, radio journalist and current Skyview Networks executive Andrew Kalb, in 1996 and spent a year at WCBS-AM, where she would later return. In October 1997, Garcia began her long-running WBLI show and evolved into a beloved Long Island radio personality.

"She was part of a number-one radio show on Long Island. They were on the air during 9/11," Kalb said. "Her pregnancy with our son was announced at Jones Beach, at the WBLI Summer Jam in 2002."