Austinites will say goodbye to a longtime media friend when CBS TV anchor Fred Cantú signs off for the final time. A final broadcast on March 31 at 6:30 pm will celebrate Uncle Fred's more than 50 years on air.

Cantú technically signed off as a reporter on Friday, March 28. The Monday broadcast will be a special newscast dedicated to "Fred's Farewell," he told the Austin-American Statesman.

Cantú thanked everyone who had supported him throughout the years, including those in his stories, the other anchors, and especially his wife of 49 years. He also seemed relieved to abandon his 1 am alarm clock.

Born and raised in Brownville, Texas, Cantú started his career in the Rio Grande Valley before moving to Austin in 1980. He is a graduate of the University of Texas, where he studied electrical engineering. (His biography section on his website calls him a "notorious gadget head."

In reporting, he is known for his warmth and humor — as the nickname "Uncle Fred" reflects — and many viewers reflect with nostalgia on growing up with him on their screens. He has won Best TV Anchor in the Austin Chronicle's readers' poll five times, as well as a first place Texas AP Award for Best Feature.

Cantú announced his retirement in late February of 2025.

In the announcement he said, "Being in this business is all I ever wanted to do, even as a child. And I got to do it for 53 years, my entire working career."

Tune in to CBS Austin News at 6:30 pm on March 31 to see the final broadcast.