Well-known conservative radio personality Inga Barks, who was on the airwaves for many years in Fresno and Bakersfield has died at age 53.

Barks’ producer, Corey Costelloe, spoke with 23ABC News in Bakersfield on her passing. He told the station that while Barks had many opportunities to go national with her radio show, she chose to stay local. Barks “was very well connected nationally with talk radio hosts like Sean Hannity, Mark Levin, Fox news radio, White House Press Secretary Tony Snow. So that opened the doors for us to take the show on the road quite a bit,” Costelloe said.

Personal Facebook Page Tributes

Her son took to Barks’ Facebook page to share condolences.

“I am sure many of you know by now, but my mother  Inga K. Barks passed away early this morning 11/4/20 at 2:30 AM,” wrote Solomon Barks.

Johnny Mansbach writes, “Friends, it’s with an incredibly heavy heart I wanted to share that my near-life-long friend Inga K. Barks has passed. Inga was an incredibly bold, brave and unique friend whom I had the pleasure of sharing a stage with for years before she went on to become a very successful and adored radio personality. We didn’t remain close through the years, but we would often touch base, debate engaging political perspectives and ALWAYS offer well wishes. Inga “Her Bites are Worse Than Her” Barks – your Bakersfield and ComedySportz families will always miss you. Rest in power, my friend.”

KMJ Producer

Aaron Arnett used to produce coverage with Barks at Fresno talk radio station KMJ. In an email to GV Wire℠ he writes:

“Inga was one of the most influential conservative voices in California and the nation. She was a great boss, a great friend, and a fellow Christian sister. Every morning our communication started with a “Hey darlin’,” and we spent many hours every night doing the best thing we knew how: not taking ourselves too seriously. She loved California (just not the politics) and she loved America.  Above all she was a caring wife to her husband for many difficult years and a wonderful mother. We often talked about reuniting on the airwaves but unfortunately it never came to pass. My family is praying for her boys.”

Current KMJ Program Director

Blake Taylor, Program Director of KMJ 580AM / 105.9FM emailed his condolences to GV Wire℠.

“Inga and I began working together in 2002.  She was one of the most welcoming and kind people that I met when I arrived at KERN radio in Bakersfield.  She was an uber-talented woman in a male-dominated profession.  Her Rolodex was unparalleled.  She could’ve been nationally syndicated and cashed in, but she wanted to stay local for her family and serve the Central Valley’s listeners.  It’s a sad day.  My prayers are with her sons.”

Other Social Media Tributes

RIP, Inga Barks, my dear friend.  You were an outstanding human-being.  You’ll be greatly missed.https://t.co/irf1mkjsjB

— Mark R. Levin (@marklevinshow) November 5, 2020

The Rush Limbaugh of the Central Valley of California has passed away. Inga Barks, who filled in for Levin, and Hannity has left us. Pray for her family.

— Bughnuht (@bughnuht) November 5, 2020

Inga Barks was a wonderful woman and a great supporter and friend of Israel. I was honored to be on her program many times and to enjoy her company when she came to Israel and when I travelled to central California, where she lived.
May she rest in peace. Terrible loss. https://t.co/hKGzyGv0j2

— Caroline Glick (@CarolineGlick) November 5, 2020