For months it has been rumored that Rafael Pineda, one of the longest-running anchors in the U.S., would retire.
Now, inside sources confirm that Jorge Viera has been hired to replace him as main anchor of WXTV-41, the Univision O&O in New York.
Jorge, who is currently freelancing as a Univision network correspondent, has signed a multi-year deal to become WXTV’s main anchor. A source says he is scheduled to start on the air in September. He has been taping promos at the station this week.
Jorge will replace a New York legend. Rafael Pineda has been lead anchor at the station since 1972.
Update: Univision sent out an official release several hours after this story was published indicating Jorge joins the team as a reporter and co-anchor for the 11 pm newscast, alongside Adriana Vargas.
He starts reporting on September 2 and anchoring on September 16, 2013. Rafael will continue to co-anchor the 6 p.m. newscast and work on special assignments.