Univision Icon Rafael Pineda Dies at 88, Leaving a Legendary News Legacy

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I was really saddened to hear about the passing of Rafael Pineda. For decades, he was the face of news for so many Spanish-speaking viewers here in New York. He died on Sunday in Florida at the age of 88, and his work at Univision 41 truly left a mark on Hispanic media in our city. He’ll be deeply missed, and his legacy will continue to inspire.

For over 40 years, Pineda was a fixture at WXTV, serving as its primary news anchor from 1972 until he retired in 2013. He became a well-known and highly respected journalist in the New York area, and when he retired, he held the record for the longest tenure as a news anchor in the city.

Univision 41 honored him as a leader in Spanish-language journalism. In a statement, the network described Pineda as a highly respected journalist and a true pioneer in Hispanic media, whose work greatly influenced Spanish-language journalism in the U.S. Both those who worked with him and his viewers consistently praised his honesty, professionalism, and commitment to the community.

Fallece Rafael Pineda, periodista que informó por más de 40 años a los hispanos en Nueva York.

— N+ UNIVISION NUEVA YORK (@univisionNY) January 26, 2026

He was a pioneering Hispanic news anchor, notably one of the first to interview a U.S. president while in office. Throughout his career, he received numerous awards, including a star on the Walk of Fame at Celia Cruz Park in Union City in 2005. Adriana Vargas-Sino, Univision 41’s vice president of news, described him as a cornerstone of their newsroom and a reliable voice for many viewers. She also noted his dedication to high-quality journalism and genuine respect for the community, which she said defined Spanish-language news in New York.

Roberto Yañez, a senior vice president for content strategy on the East Coast, remembered Pineda’s friendly style. He said Pineda made it a habit to walk around the newsroom each day and say hello to everyone individually.

Born in Cuba in 1937, Pineda came to the United States before the age of 20. He became a well-known and trusted face for millions of viewers, providing them with news, support, and a sense of community. When he retired in 2013, he shared that he wouldn’t change a thing about his life. He often spoke of the television station and its viewers as his extended family, saying it felt like home with all of them.

Even after retiring from his main anchor role, Pineda continued to be highly regarded in the news world. He would often return to New York for important occasions, such as Univision’s 50th anniversary. People especially remembered his emotional and personal reporting on significant events like the September 11th attacks, which showed how much he cared for the city.

The passing of Pineda closes a significant chapter in New York broadcasting. Over his forty-year career, he kept Spanish-speaking communities informed and connected, and he inspired countless journalists. The station noted that his impact will live on through all the reporters and anchors he guided and mentored.

We invite fans to share their cherished memories of Rafael Pineda and how he touched their lives, both on Univision 41 and in the wider community.

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2026-01-27 11:44