Anthony McCarthy was a fixture in the news as spokesman and communications director for several mayors and city and congressional lawmakers and as a strategist for several political candidates. (Credit: Facebook/ Anthony McCarthy)

By AFRO Staff

The AFRO extends its condolences to the family of former AFRO editor-in-chief Anthony McCarthy, who died early March 16 at Northwest Hospital in Randallstown after an extended battle with kidney disease.

McCarthy was a fixture in the Baltimore media and political spheres for more than three decades. He served a stint as editor-in-chief of the Baltimore Afro-American Newspaper, before moving into the broadcast space. For several years, he hosted the award-winning program “The Anthony McCarthy Show” on WEAA 88.9 FM. He subsequently hosted “The Weekly News Roundup” on WYPR 88.1 FM for a period of time.

Anthony McCarthy was a well-known figure on the Baltimore media scene, serving as a former editor-in-chief of the Afro-American Newspaper, host of “The Anthony McCarthy Show” on WEAA 88.9 FM and host of “The Weekly News Roundup” on WYPR 88.1 FM. (Credit: Facebook/ Anthony McCarthy)

Anthony was also a visible face on the city’s civic scene, serving as spokesman for former Baltimore mayors Sheila Dixon, Stephanie Rawlings-Blake and Catherine Pugh; as communications director for the late Congressman Elijah Cummings (D-Md.), current Rep. Kweisi Mfume (D-Md.) and other government entities; and as a political strategist for several political candidates.

An ordained minister, McCarthy authored the faith-based children’s book “The Visit.” He also lived out his faith via community service, serving on the boards of the Public Justice Center of Maryland, the Baltimore City NAACP, the Maryland Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Union Memorial Hospital and Tears of a Mother’s Cry.

This story will be updated with details about McCarthy’s homegoing services as information becomes available.