Rafael Pineda (television journalist)

Julio Rafael Pineda (December 20, 1937 – January 25, 2026) was a Cuban-American television news reporter who spent four decades as anchor for the Spanish language station WXTV, the Univision affiliate in New York City.

Life and career

Pineda was born in Baracoa, Cuba, on December 20, 1937.[1] He immigrated to the United States before his 20th birthday. Pineda began his career at the Spanish-language station WXTV in 1968.[2] On 29 October 1983, he hosted the OTI Festival 1983 along with Ana Carlota.

He was the lead news anchor on WXTV until 1988, when he became host of the first Spanish-language local interview program in the tri-state area, Punto y Aparte until it ended in 1989.

Pineda retired in 2013. He died on January 25, 2026, at the age of 88.[3]

Awards and recognition

On June 5, 2005, Pineda was honored by Union City, New Jersey, with a star on the Walk of Fame at Union City's Celia Cruz Park.[4]

References

  1. ^ New York, Index to Petitions for Naturalization filed in New York City, 1792–1989
  2. ^ Barmash, Jerry (September 2, 2011). "Iconic WXTV/Channel 41 Anchor Rafael Pineda Says 9/11 Made 'Impact on Me'". Adweek. Retrieved August 3, 2017.
  3. ^ Rafael Pineda, legendary news anchor on Univision 41, dies at 88
  4. ^ Rosero, Jessica. "'La vida es un carnaval' North Hudson celebrates 6th annual Cuban Day Parade" Archived 2018-09-30 at the Wayback Machine The Hudson Reporter; May 26, 2006