Rafael Pineda, Longtime Univision 41 Anchor, Dies at 88 in Florida

Veteran New York Anchor Dies in Florida at Age 88

Rafael Pineda, a longtime news anchor for Univision 41 in New York, died on Sunday in Florida at the age of 88. Univision 41 identified Pineda as a legendary journalist and one of the longest-serving anchors in New York television history.

Decades-Long Career at WXTV Univision 41

Pineda anchored news broadcasts on WXTV, known as Univision 41, from 1972 until his retirement in 2013. At the time of his retirement, he held the record for the longest-serving news anchor in the New York television market. His earlier broadcasting work led to his appointment as anchor at Channel 41 in 1972, where he became the main on-air face of the station.

Statements from Univision 41 Leadership

Univision 41 announced Pineda's death and described him as a longtime colleague, respected journalist, and pioneering voice in Hispanic media. The station stated that his work helped shape Spanish-language journalism in the United States. According to the announcement, Pineda was recognized for his integrity, professionalism, and commitment to the communities he served, and he received numerous honors for his contributions to journalism. The station also noted that he was among the first Hispanic television anchors to interview a sitting U.S. president.

Adriana Vargas-Sino, vice president of news for Univision 41, said Pineda was more than an anchor and referred to him as a pillar of the newsroom and a trusted voice for generations of viewers. She said his commitment to journalistic excellence and respect for the community set a standard for Spanish-language news in New York.

Roberto Yañez, senior vice president of content strategy and operations for the East Coast region, said he worked alongside Pineda and recalled that Pineda made a daily effort to walk the newsroom floor and greet each person before beginning work. Yañez described him as a respected journalist who was admired and loved by colleagues.

Background and Personal History

Pineda was born in Pinar del Río, Cuba, in 1937. He emigrated to the United States before turning 20. During his career at Univision 41 in New York, his on-air presence made him a familiar figure to Spanish-language television audiences across the Tri-State area. The station reported that viewers continued to ask about him even 13 years after he left the air.

In an interview given at the time of his retirement in 2013, when he was 77 years old, Pineda said in Spanish that if he were given the chance to live his life again, he would do it the same way. Referring to Channel 41, he described the station as his family and his home.