WNJU Senior Anchor Jorge Ramos To Retire

Concluding a distinguished, award-winning career spanning nearly five decades, Jorge Ramos, the senior news anchor of Telemundo’s WNJU New York, announced that he will be stepping away from the anchor chair following the conclusion of the station’s Friday, Sept. 21 evening newscasts. Ramos announced his retirement Thursday evening to his colleagues who were gathered inside the Telemundo 47 newsroom.

An original founding member of WNJU’s news operations, the Puerto Rico native is a member of the Silver Circle of the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (NATAS), New York Chapter. He is also the recipient of seven Emmy awards and an array of local honors for his service and work in the community. Throughout his time at WNJU, Ramos has helped the station achieve many milestones, including historic ratings. In July, the 11 p.m. edition of Noticiero 47 Telemundo anchored by Ramos was ranked as the most-watched local newscast in the entire New York market, regardless of language, according to Nielsen and various measurement systems.

“For nearly 40 years, it has been my great privilege to report the news and world events that impacted our Tri-State community,” said Ramos. “I am grateful to our viewers for welcoming me into their homes and their hearts and honored for the opportunity to serve them during times of hardship and joy. I will miss them deeply and will always cherish their love and support. I look forward to celebrating my tenure with Telemundo 47 in the next few weeks with my colleagues and our viewers.”

Ramos began his career in the media in 1972, working at WKVM-AM Santurce, Puerto Rico. He joined WNJU in 1979 as the station’s first field reporter. His talent and tenacity on camera were rewarded when he was named anchor of Telemundo 47’s original news program El Informador alongside his mentor, Eusebio Valls. Soon thereafter, he succeeded Valls as the station’s lead news anchor, a position he has held ever since.

In that time, Ramos has hosted several special programming segments including the inauguration of President George H.W. Bush in 1989 and the inauguration of President Bill Clinton in 1993.

Since 1992, Ramos’ Crímenes sin Resolver segments led to the arrest of several suspects wanted for criminal acts. In 2003, the New York City Police Department and the Crime Stoppers program honored Jorge for his assistance in resolving a 10-year-old crime. Ramos also received a plaque from Commissioner Ray Kelly for his reporting,

“Jorge has been Telemundo 47’s main anchor for several decades and for so many of our viewers, Jorge has become an extended member of their families,” said Cristina Schwarz, WNJU president-GM. “We are deeply appreciative for his service to our community and his commitment to broadcast excellence. While we will deeply miss Jorge’s presence at Telemundo 47, we all look forward to witnessing the next chapter in his distinguished career.”

A graduate of the University of Puerto Rico, and a member of the National Association of Hispanic Journalists, Ramos has worked closely with the Tri-State’s Hispanic community for more than 35 years. Throughout that time, he has collaborated with many community organizations, non-profits and charities, in addition to serving as grand marshal and godfather of numerous parades throughout the region. The father of a former Marine, Ramos advocates for Hispanic veterans and supports their return to civilian life.

“I want to thank Telemundo 47’s management for the trust they extended me throughout my many years at this wonderful station. I also will be forever thankful to my colleagues — the producers, writers, engineers, directors, reporters and especially my 6 p.m. and 11 p.m. anchor team,” Ramos added. “While the time has come to step away from the anchor desk and prepare for my next chapter of service to the community, I am excited for the opportunity to continue serving our viewers in a different but equally personal way. I look forward to sharing those plans soon.”

Throughout the week of Sept. 17, WNJU will celebrate Ramos’ career with a series of special segments airing during the evening newscasts. Noticiero 47 Telemundo 5 p.m. anchor Edgardo Del Villar will move into the 6 and 11 p.m. anchor chair starting Monday, Sept. 24.