Ernie Anastos, a highly recognized and trusted television news anchor in New York, passed away on Thursday morning at the age of 82. His death, attributed to pneumonia, occurred at Northern Westchester Hospital, as confirmed by his wife. The news of his passing prompted tributes from across the broadcast industry, highlighting his indelible impact on New York journalism.
"We have to teach truth in our homes and in our schools, wherever we have that opportunity. I think we all have to sit back and say let’s stand up for truth and support it and make sure that we live it on a day-to-day basis." — Ernie Anastos, Instagram Video
CBS 2 initially reported Anastos's death, providing the cause and location. Later the same day, Fox 5, where Anastos had been a prominent figure for many years, released a formal statement confirming the loss. "It is with profound sadness that we share the passing of Ernie Anastos, who died at the age of 82," the network stated. "An Emmy Award-winning journalist and beloved former Fox 5 news anchor, his voice, integrity, and lasting impact on New York journalism will never be forgotten."
Anastos built one of the most distinguished careers in New York broadcast history, accumulating a remarkable 30 Emmy Awards and nominations over his decades on air. Among his most significant accolades was the Lifetime Emmy Award, a prestigious distinction in television journalism that recognized his enduring contributions to the field. His career spanned some of the most defining moments in American history, including his extensive coverage of the September 11 terrorist attacks and the global COVID-19 pandemic, providing critical information to millions of New Yorkers during times of crisis.
A proud Greek-American, Anastos began his broadcasting journey at ABC 7 in New York in 1978, where he remained for 11 years until 1989. He then transitioned to CBS 2, followed by a stint at WWOR in 1997. He returned to CBS in 2001, according to records from the New York State Broadcasters Association, further cementing his presence across multiple major networks in the region.
In 2005, Anastos signed with Fox 5 NY, a move that would define the later part of his illustrious career. There, he became a fixture of the channel’s nightly news programming, anchoring alongside co-anchor Rosanna Scotto. This successful partnership at Fox 5 continued until around 2020, when Anastos departed to pursue leadership management coursework at Harvard Business School, demonstrating his continuous commitment to learning and professional development even after decades in the industry.
Even after stepping away from nightly television, Anastos remained an active voice in media. In the period leading up to his death, he was working as a host at 77WABC radio, continuing to engage with the public and share his insights. Just days before his passing, on March 3, Anastos posted a video to Instagram in which he emphasized the critical importance of truth. In the video, he stated, "We have to teach truth in our homes and in our schools, wherever we have that opportunity. I think we all have to sit back and say let’s stand up for truth and support it and make sure that we live it on a day-to-day basis." This statement underscored a core principle that guided his professional life.
Throughout his career, Anastos often cited legendary news anchor Walter Cronkite as a personal hero, reflecting the traditional journalism values and commitment to factual reporting that he upheld. His legacy was further cemented when the New York State Broadcasters Association honored him with an induction into its Hall of Fame, recognizing his status among the state’s most influential broadcast figures.
Early in his career, Anastos faced pressure to change his Greek surname. Supervisors at different stations in Boston and Rhode Island suggested he adopt names like Ernie Andrews or Keith Andrews, reflecting a prevalent sentiment at the time that "ethnic names were not all that hot," as Anastos recalled in a 2010 New York Times profile. However, he firmly resisted these suggestions and held onto his birth name—a decision that became an integral part of his identity and a testament to his conviction throughout a career that spanned multiple generations of New York viewers.
Following the announcement of his death, tributes from former colleagues poured in. Rosanna Scotto, his longtime Fox 5 co-anchor, shared warm memories on Facebook, writing, "I enjoyed working with him, anchoring alongside of him on the 10 o’clock news. He was a good man and someone we really looked up to. We are all heartbroken." Teresa Priolo, another former Fox 5 colleague, described Anastos as the "heart of our newsroom." In a Facebook post, Priolo affirmed, "I’m here to confirm, every single good thing you will hear and read about this man is true. And then some. Times 10." She concluded by calling him "the gold standard in life and in this crazy news business." These heartfelt tributes highlight the profound respect and admiration Anastos commanded among his peers and the lasting impression he left on the New York media landscape.
