Ernie Zuniga will return to San Antonio television at KSAT 12 as a community-based journalist starting February 18, 2025.
"I am honored to have this opportunity to return to the TV airwaves in the San Antonio area and to join the talented team at KSAT12," Zuniga said in a statement. "I’m excited to work alongside their incredible journalists, help tell positive and compelling stories, highlight both everyday and extraordinary people, and contribute to enhancing KSAT12’s growing digital footprint. The viewers of San Antonio have been so generous and supportive of me, even when I was off the air, and I look forward to engaging with them again on TV, via social media, and in person."
At KSAT, the station says Zuniga will focus on covering the stories and shining a light on the issues that matter most to the people of San Antonio, plus add a dynamic viewer experience to community events like Fiesta!, KSAT Pigskin Classic and Muertos Fest.
Zuniga left the "FOX News First" morning anchor chair at FOX 29 San Antonio KABB in May 2023 (watch his goodbye video).
Since then, he has worked in media relations at San Antonio City Council District 10 member Marc Whyte's office. He also hosted a video podcast from his car called "Pickup Lines" via his Facebook page. The station says "Pickup Lines" will continue at KSAT12.
Andrew Capasso has since taken Zuniga's old chair at FOX SA.
Oh, and if an anchor leaves or doesn't work out, KSAT now has a well-known San Antonio anchor ready in its bullpen.
Zuniga's journey in San Antonio began with FOX 29 in 1999 when he worked as a sports reporter and fill-in anchor. After a stint elsewhere, he returned to KABB in January 2016 as a morning anchor.
Before rejoining FOX San Antonio, Zuniga was a weekend sports anchor for ABC15 KNXV in Phoenix, Arizona.
A graduate of the University of Houston-Victoria who also attended Texas A&M University, Zuniga launched his professional TV career in 1992 as a sports anchor and reporter at 25 KAVU Victoria.
"We’re excited to welcome Ernie to our team as our community-based reporter," said Ashley Parker, Vice President and General Manager of KSAT12. "His deep roots in San Antonio, combined with his wealth of experience in broadcast journalism, make him an invaluable addition to our station. Ernie’s dedication to telling local stories and engaging with our community aligns perfectly with our mission to provide relevant, impactful news coverage for San Antonio."
"Ernie is a such a great addition to our talented newsroom," said Mario Orellana, News Director of KSAT12. "I know he’s eager to get back to delivering the news and stories that matter to our community. Welcome back, Ernie!"
