Carlos Gaivar (1946 - 2020)

 

I'm sorry to report (a bit belatedly) that former KNX anchor Carlos Gaivar passed away on December 1. He took a disability retirement when he left the station in 2006. 

For twelve years, Gaivar had a steady presence providing news throughout the late hours of the days. I've noted there are two difficult shifts in radio. One is morning drive as a talent's day will start around 3 or 4 in the morning, and end while others are finishing dinner. The other is the overnight shift, when talent is working while their circadian rhythm is offering a nudge of "why are you awake?"

A Brooklyn native and graduate of the University of Maryland, he spent much of his earlier career in Washington DC. His credits include anchoring, reporting, news writing, talk show host, jazz programmer and DJ at some well known stations including WRC, WJLA-TV, WTTG-TV and WOL-AM. He was working as the business reporter for WTOP radio before arriving at KNX.

Gaivar highlighted his Latino heritage through his personal media efforts. He wrote, produced and directed "Viva Latino," a 30-part radio series funded by the U.S. Office of Education. The series won a 1979 Ohio State Award for "creative use of the radio medium." He also claimed membership with the National Federation of Hispanics in Communication, the National Association of Hispanic Journalists, and the Hispanic News Media Association of Washington.

Gaivar also served his country as a Sergeant in the Marine Corps before his time in broadcasting. He was living in Miami, Florida. Gaivar was 74 years old when he passed due to complications of Covid-19.

Thanks to Don Barrett and Rudolph Brewington for providing background and other material.