Veteran television news anchor Ernie Anastos, a beloved fixture of New York City broadcasting for nearly five decades, has died at the age of 83. The Emmy Award-winning journalist passed away on Thursday, 12 March, at Northern Westchester Hospital following a brief battle with pneumonia.
A Broadcasting Legend's Final Days
His wife, Kelly, confirmed the sad news to the press, marking the end of an extraordinary career that made Anastos one of New York's most recognisable media personalities. The broadcasting icon enjoyed a remarkable journey spanning almost fifty years, during which he became synonymous with trustworthy journalism in the nation's largest media market.
Accolades and Achievements
Throughout his distinguished tenure, Anastos accumulated over thirty Local News Emmy Awards and received the prestigious Edward R. Murrow Award for broadcast excellence. His contributions were formally recognised in 2024 when he was inducted into the New York State Broadcasters Association Hall of Fame, cementing his legacy as one of the industry's most respected figures.
His career highlights included coverage of monumental events that shaped modern history, most notably the September 11th World Trade Center attacks and the global coronavirus pandemic. In recent years, the veteran broadcaster had shifted his focus toward spreading positivity through his Positively Ernie podcast and radio programme, demonstrating his enduring commitment to uplifting content.
From Boston Radio to New York Television
Anastos began his broadcasting journey in Boston radio during the mid-1970s before successfully transitioning to television. His career reached new heights when he secured the anchor position for Eyewitness News at 11pm on WABC in 1978. He later moved to the 5pm bulletin, where he remained until 1982, establishing himself as a household name across the New York metropolitan area.
Media Entrepreneurship and Writing
Beyond his on-air work, Anastos expanded his influence through radio and television ownership via his Anastos Media Group. The multi-talented presenter also pursued writing, gaining recognition as a children's author and demonstrating his versatility across multiple creative fields.
Outpouring of Tributes and Remembrances
News of his passing prompted an immediate flood of tributes from colleagues, admirers, and devoted viewers across social media platforms. One longtime fan reminisced on Facebook about watching Anastos alongside co-anchor Roseanne Scamardella, describing him as "such a gentleman" who made news programming genuinely entertaining.
Another mourner expressed heartfelt sorrow, writing: "This is a hard one, I'm heartbroken. I absolutely love Ernie. He was my childhood for the news media... He was the best." The emotional response underscored how deeply Anastos had connected with generations of New Yorkers through his consistent presence in their daily lives.
Colleagues Remember a Professional and Friend
A professional colleague shared a particularly touching tribute, recalling: "Just heard the sad news that we lost one of New York's most respected news anchors... More than anything, I will miss our inspirational conversations. Ernie always took the time to listen and genuinely cared about what was happening in the moment and in people's lives."
Additional tributes poured in from across the broadcasting community and beyond, with one admirer describing Anastos as "a true New York icon and a wonderful guy" who would be profoundly missed. Another viewer remembered his characteristic smile and engaging delivery, noting how he made watching the news an enjoyable daily ritual.
Final Messages and Lasting Legacy
Among his final social media posts, Anastos shared a video message emphasising the importance of truth in contemporary society. He stated: "Now more than ever we need to promote and protect the truth!" This commitment to journalistic integrity remained a cornerstone of his philosophy throughout his extensive career.
The passing of Ernie Anastos marks the end of an era in New York broadcasting, leaving behind a legacy of excellence, professionalism, and genuine human connection that resonated with millions of viewers over nearly half a century.
