Ernie Zuniga Biography: Age, Wife, Net Worth | KSAT12 & Fox 29

Ernie Zuniga is a veteran television news anchor, reporter, and media personality based in San Antonio, Texas.

With nearly 30 years of experience in broadcast journalism, he has worked in news and sports anchoring roles across multiple markets, including San Antonio, Phoenix, Arizona, and his hometown of Victoria, Texas.

Zuniga is known for his engaging on-air presence, community involvement, and hosting duties.

He serves as an emcee for numerous events, a moderator, play-by-play announcer, media consultant, and content creator. Notably, he hosts “Pickup Lines,” an unscripted conversation show filmed in his Lexus RZ450e, which has gained popularity on social media since 2018.

Zuniga is actively involved in local non-profits, including the 100 Club of San Antonio, the Rey Feo Consejo Educational Foundation, and the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society South Central Texas Chapter, where he sits on the board.

In 2018, he was crowned “King of the River Walk” after raising over $20,000 for the San Antonio River Walk Association. He is a fixture at Fiesta events in San Antonio and has served on the courts of two Rey Feos

Early Life and Education

Born and raised in Victoria, Texas, Ernie Zuniga developed an early interest in communication and storytelling.

He began his college education at Texas A&M University before transferring to the University of Houston-Victoria, where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Communications.

His academic foundation set the stage for a dynamic career in journalism and broadcasting.

Early Career in Broadcasting

Zuniga’s professional journey began in his hometown of Victoria, Texas, where he worked as a sports anchor and reporter.

His early experiences in local television helped him develop a strong work ethic and a versatile broadcasting style.

He later expanded his career to Phoenix, Arizona, before returning to San Antonio, where he would establish himself as one of the city’s most recognizable media personalities.

Over the years, his approachable demeanor and storytelling ability earned him widespread respect from viewers and colleagues alike.

Rise to Prominence: FOX San Antonio

Before joining KSAT12, Zuniga spent more than 17 years as a morning news anchor at FOX San Antonio (KABB).

During this time, he became a morning fixture for thousands of viewers, known for delivering news with authenticity and warmth.

His long tenure on the FOX morning desk showcased his deep connection to the South Texas audience.

KSAT12 Career: From Mornings to Evenings

Good Morning San Antonio (GMSA)

In February 2025, Zuniga joined KSAT12 as a community-based journalist. His strong storytelling and community insight quickly earned him a permanent spot on Good Morning San Antonio (GMSA).

He anchored across several programs, including GMSA, GMSA+, and GMSA@9, where his relatable approach and humor made him a viewer favorite.

Transition to Evening News

In a major career development, Zuniga will transition to the KSAT12 evening lineup beginning October 20, 2025. He will co-anchor the 5 p.m., 6 p.m., and 10 p.m. newscasts alongside Myra Arthur, Stephania Jimenez, and Chief Meteorologist Adam Caskey.

This move follows the departure of longtime anchor Steve Spriester and marks a new chapter for Zuniga, who looks forward to continuing his connection with viewers in prime time.

“Pickup Lines” Host and Content Creator

Beyond traditional television, Ernie Zuniga is also the creator, executive producer, and host of the digital talk show “Pickup Lines.”

Launched in 2018, the show features unscripted, candid conversations with local personalities—often filmed inside his Lexus RZ450e.

The series has gained traction across digital platforms like Facebook, YouTube, Spotify, LinkedIn, and Instagram, and airs weekly on KSAT’s digital channels.

Through this project, Zuniga combines humor, authenticity, and community storytelling in a format that connects deeply with his audience.

Community Involvement and Public Service

Ernie Zuniga’s commitment to his community extends far beyond the newsroom. He serves as an emcee, moderator, play-by-play announcer, and media consultant, participating in dozens of local events each year.

He is actively involved with several non-profit organizations, including:

• The 100 Club of San Antonio

• The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society – South Central Texas Chapter (Board Member)

• Rey Feo Consejo Educational Foundation

In 2018, he was crowned “King of the River Walk” after raising over $20,000 for the San Antonio River Walk Association.

His leadership and enthusiasm make him a staple at Fiesta San Antonio events, where he has also served on the courts of two Rey Feos.

Personal Life

Outside of his professional life, Zuniga is a devoted husband and father.

He has been married to his wife Tami for more than 25 years, and together they have three children — Ava, who is in college, and twins Luke and Madeline, who are in high school.

He often shares moments from his family life on social media, reflecting his values of family, faith, and community.

Summary of Key Facts

Ernie Zuniga Age:

Ernie Zuniga was born on March 2, 1976, which makes him 49 years old as of 2025. His zodiac sign is Pisces.

He is of Hispanic ethnicity and proudly holds American nationality, having been born and raised in the United States.

Ernie Zuniga Parents and Siblings:

Ernie Zuniga grew up in Victoria, Texas, where he developed an early interest in communications and media.

He attended Texas A&M University before graduating with a degree in Communications from the University of Houston-Victoria.

Details about his parents and siblings are not publicly available in credible sources.

Ernie Zuniga Wife:

Ernie Zuniga has been happily married to his wife, Tami Zuniga, since June 5, 1999. As of 2025, the couple has shared more than 26 years together, building a strong marriage rooted in love, faith, and family. They first met in San Antonio, where they continue to make their home and raise their children.

Tami is frequently mentioned in Ernie’s social media posts, where he often expresses gratitude for her constant support in his busy broadcasting career.

In one heartfelt 2023 Instagram post, Ernie celebrated her birthday, describing her as his “beautiful wife” and crediting her for helping him navigate life’s challenges with grace and strength.

Together, they have three children — Ava, who is in college, and twins Luke and Madeline, who are in high school. Their home is also filled with the warmth of their pets, including a dog named Devin and a cat named Katy Purry.

While Tami tends to keep a lower public profile, she is known for her dedication to family and community.

In 2016, she became the target of an incident of cyberbullying, which Ernie addressed publicly to raise awareness about the impact of online harassment — a testament to his family’s resilience and advocacy for kindness in the digital age.

Ernie Zuniga Height:

Zuniga stands at an approximate height of 5 feet 10 inches (178 cm) and maintains a healthy weight ranging between 175 and 185 pounds (79–84 kg).

Ernie Zuniga KSAT12 Career Timeline:

Early Career and Broadcasting Beginnings

Zuniga began his career in Victoria, Texas, where he was offered an on-air sports anchor position at KAVU-TV after his sophomore year at Texas A&M University.

Balancing academics with his growing passion for journalism, he later completed his Communications degree at the University of Houston–Victoria.

Following his early success in Victoria, he expanded his experience to Phoenix, Arizona, gaining valuable exposure in larger markets.

These formative years laid the groundwork for a long and distinguished broadcasting journey that would eventually bring him to San Antonio.

Establishing Himself in San Antonio Media

Zuniga’s first major role in San Antonio came in 1999, when he began working as a sportscaster, marking the start of what would become a defining chapter in his career.

His engaging delivery and relatable on-air presence quickly earned him recognition among local viewers.

Morning Anchor Era: FOX San Antonio (KABB)

From October 2005 to May 2023, Ernie Zuniga served as a morning and midday news anchor at FOX San Antonio (KABB), co-hosting the long-running morning show FOX News First.

Over the course of 17 years—and more than 6,350 days on air—he became a morning staple in San Antonio households, known for his humor, warmth, and consistency.

When Zuniga announced his departure from the show in May 2023, he reflected on his time with gratitude and curiosity about his next chapter.

In total, he spent over 22 years at the local FOX station, making him one of the longest-serving morning anchors in the market.

Digital Expansion and “Pickup Lines”

After leaving FOXSA, Zuniga continued to engage audiences through digital media. In July 2023, he launched and hosted “Pickup Lines,” a weekly digital talk show that features unscripted conversations filmed inside his vehicle.

As both host and executive producer, Zuniga built the show into a hit across platforms like KSAT+, Facebook, YouTube, and Instagram, where he interviews community figures, leaders, and friends in a relaxed, authentic format.

During this time, he also contributed to media relations for the City of San Antonio, further expanding his professional expertise.

Return to Television: KSAT12 Career

Community-Focused Journalism

In February 2025, Zuniga joined KSAT12 as a community-based journalist, marking his return to television news.

This role allowed him to reconnect with viewers by covering human-interest stories, neighborhood events, and local initiatives that highlight San Antonio’s spirit.

Morning Anchor – Good Morning San Antonio (GMSA)

On February 18, 2025, Zuniga made his on-air debut on Good Morning San Antonio (GMSA).

By March 2025, he became a permanent anchor, co-hosting the morning news from 5–7 a.m. and 9–10 a.m., and appearing on GMSA+ (8–9 a.m.) via KSAT’s streaming service.

His dynamic chemistry with co-anchors and deep local knowledge quickly resonated with morning audiences.

Final Morning Broadcast

After several successful months, Zuniga anchored his final GMSA newscast on October 17, 2025, marking the end of another impactful era in his career.

Evening Anchor Transition at KSAT12

On October 20, 2025, Ernie Zuniga officially transitioned to the KSAT12 evening lineup, succeeding longtime anchor Steve Spriester.

He now co-anchors the News at 5, 6 O’Clock News, and Nightbeat at 10 p.m., alongside Myra Arthur, Stephania Jimenez, and Chief Meteorologist Adam Caskey.

This move represents a significant milestone—one that brings Zuniga’s trusted voice to San Antonio’s prime-time audiences while reaffirming his standing as one of the city’s most respected broadcasters.

Quick Career Overview

Ernie Zuniga Fox 29:

Ernie Zuniga spent over 22 years at Fox 29 (KABB-TV) in San Antonio, including 17.5 years anchoring the morning show “FOX News First,” which he helped create. His tenure included roles in news and sports anchoring, and he signed off from the station on May 23, 2023.

Ernie Zuniga Heart Attack:

There is no record of Ernie Zuniga suffering a heart attack. In May 2022, Zuniga reported on the story of Joe Garcia, the husband of Uvalde school shooting victim Irma Garcia, who died of a fatal heart attack from grief shortly after his wife’s death.

Ernie Zuniga Net Worth and Salary:

As of recent years, Ernie Zuniga’s net worth is estimated to be between $500,000 and $1 million.

This estimate reflects his decades-long career in broadcast journalism, his growing success in digital content creation, and his active involvement in community and media events.

Zuniga has built a reputation not only as a trusted television anchor but also as a versatile media professional with multiple income streams.

Estimated Financial Overview

Sources of Income

Ernie Zuniga’s earnings are likely derived from several professional endeavors, including:

• KSAT12 Anchor Salary – His primary role as an evening news anchor contributes significantly to his annual income.

• “Pickup Lines” Hosting and Production – Revenue from his digital talk show through sponsorships, partnerships, and syndication.

• Event Hosting and Emceeing – Frequent appearances as a master of ceremonies for community and nonprofit events.

• Media Consulting and Voice-Over Work – Additional income from consulting, narration, and branded media collaborations.

Is Ernie Zuniga Married?

Yes, Ernie Zuniga has been married to his wife, Tami Zuniga, for over 25 years. They have three children: daughter Ava (in college) and twins Luke and Madeline (in high school).

How Old Is Ernie Zuniga?

Ernie Zuniga was born on March 2, 1976, which makes him 49 years old as of 2025.

Why did Ernie Zuniga leave Fox 29?

Ernie Zuniga left Fox 29 (KABB-TV) in May 2023 after over 22 years, describing it as a “painfully difficult” decision.

He cited a desire to pursue his “next chapter,” focusing on content creation, community involvement, and his “Pickup Lines” show.

He emphasized no intention of leaving San Antonio and expressed gratitude to viewers and colleagues, but did not specify other reasons such as contract issues or disputes.

Where Is Ernie Zuniga Working?

Ernie Zuniga is currently working at KSAT12 in San Antonio as the co-anchor for Good Morning San Antonio (GMSA).

He has announced his transition to evening anchor starting October 20, 2025, where he will co-anchor the station’s 5 p.m., 6 p.m., and 10 p.m. newscasts.

He continues to host “Pickup Lines” and engage in emcee and content creation roles.

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