Rafael Pineda anchored the news on Channel 41 from 1972 to 2013, when he retired. At the time, he held the record for longest-serving news anchor in the New York market.
Rafael Pineda was one of the longest-serving news anchors in the New York market, helming the newscasts on Channel 41 from 1972 to 2013. Rafael Pineda, the legendary Univision 41 journalist who was one of the longest-serving anchors in New York television history, died on Sunday in Florida at the age of 88.
The Cuban-American Pineda anchored the news on the station, WXTV, from 1972 to 2013, when he retired. At the time, he held the record for longest-serving news anchor in the New York market. Pineda was a trusted and beloved presence for generations of Spanish-language-television viewers in the Tri-State area. "Univision 41 today announced with deep sadness the passing of Rafael Pineda, a longtime colleague, respected journalist, and pioneering voice in Hispanic media whose legacy helped shape Spanish-language journalism in the United States," WXTV said in a statement. "Throughout his distinguished career, he was recognized for his integrity, professionalism, and unwavering commitment to the communities he served. He was among the first Hispanic television anchors to interview a sitting U.S. president, and his contributions to journalism earned him numerous honors. Adriana Vargas-Sino, vice president of news for Univision 41, described Pineda as more than an anchor. "He was a pillar of our newsroom and a trusted voice for generations of viewers," Vargas-Sino said. "His commitment to journalistic excellence and his deep respect for our community set the standard for Spanish-language news in New York." Roberto Yañez, the senior vice president of content strategy and operations for the East Coast region, expressed his admiration for Pineda. "I had the privilege to work alongside Rafael. Every single day, he made it a point to walk the entire newsroom floor and personally greet each person before starting his work. He was a true gentleman - a respected journalist, deeply admired and loved by all who knew him," Yanez said. Pineda was born in Pinar del Río, Cuba, in 1937 and emigrated to the United States before turning 20. His earlier broadcasting career paved the way to assuming the anchor role at Channel 41 in 1972, and his steady presence as the face of the station endeared him to viewers. The station said viewers would still ask about how Pineda was doing, even though he had been off the air for 13 years. "If they gave me a chance to live my life again, I would do it exactly the same," Pineda, talking in Spanish, said during an interview at the time of his retirement at age 77 in 2013. Referring to Channel 41, he said: "This was my family ... here are my brothers, sisters ... this is my house but with all of you."
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