The “Mount Rushmore” of New York City broadcasting has lost one of its most iconic faces. Legendary television news anchor Ernie Anastos, a Hall of Fame journalist whose career spanned over 40 years across every major local station, has died at the age of 82.
A Legacy of Optimism and Elegance
His wife, Kelly, confirmed that Anastos passed away early Thursday morning from pneumonia at Northern Westchester Hospital. Known for his “million-watt smile” and impeccable style, Anastos was more than just a newsman; he was a fixture of New York culture.
The “Patron Saint” of New York
Anastos held the rare distinction of anchoring at all four of New York’s top stations: WCBS, WABC, Fox 5, and Channel 9. Over the course of his career, he earned more than 30 Emmy Awards and became a trusted voice for generations of viewers.
- Community Icon: A proud representative of the New York Greek community, his photograph was a staple in diners across the five boroughs.
- The “Positively Ernie” Spirit: In recent years, he focused on his “Positively Ernie” program, a reflection of his career-long commitment to avoiding cynicism and embracing optimism.
Tributes from the Newsroom
Colleagues remembered Anastos as a consummate professional who treated every broadcast with the passion of his first day on the job.
- Tony Aiello (CBS News New York): “If there was a Mount Rushmore for news anchors in New York, Ernie would be one of the four faces. He paired well with every co-anchor because he was such a pro.”
- Marcia Kramer (CBS News New York): Recalled how Anastos helped her transition from print to TV with humor—throwing roses or pencils at her on set to ease her nerves. “He made me believe I was not gonna die and fall on the floor.”
- Mayor Zohran Mamdani: “Legendary and iconic barely begin to capture Ernie Anastos. An Emmy-winning anchor, a trusted voice in New York, and a role model in the craft of journalism.”
A Storied Career Timeline
- 1970s–1980s: Rose to prominence at WABC, becoming one of the city’s most recognizable anchors.
- 1990s–2000s: Continued his dominance at WCBS and later Fox 5, where he spent 15 years.
- Post-2020: Focused on positivity-themed broadcasting and community engagement, never truly retiring from the city he loved.
New York Media & Memorial Resources
- New York State Broadcasters Association: Information on Hall of Fame inductions and professional tributes.
- Northern Westchester Hospital: Facility where Anastos was treated; donations can be made to their respiratory care units.
- The Luisa Diaz Foundation: An organization Anastos supported, focusing on survivors of domestic violence and human trafficking.
- Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America: News and memorial services within the Greek community he so proudly championed.
- New York Emmys: Archives of Anastos’s multi-decade contributions to excellence in journalism.
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