Beloved New York TV News Anchor Ernie Anastos Passes Away at 82
Ernie Anastos, a prominent figure in New York television news for over 40 years, passed away on March 11 at the age of 82. His family confirmed the news to WABC on Thursday.
Born on July 12, 1943, Anastos began his career in radio in Boston during the mid-1970s before transitioning to television. He secured an anchor position at WPRI in Providence, Rhode Island, before moving to WABC in 1978, where he became the anchor of the station’s 11 p.m. Eyewitness News. He later expanded his role to include the 5 p.m. newscast, serving in that capacity until 1982 when he was succeeded by Tom Snyder.
Following a stint co-anchoring a brief 4:30 newscast at WABC, Anastos returned to the station’s anchor desk after Snyder relocated to Los Angeles, continuing his tenure until 1989.
Shortly after leaving WABC, Anastos joined rival WCBS as its lead anchor, where he helmed the 11 p.m. broadcast until the mid-1990s. Subsequently, he devoted the next five years to his endeavors in radio and television ownership with Anastos Media Group.
In 2001, he returned to WCBS, assuming the role of lead anchor for the 5, 6, and 11 p.m. newscasts. Notably, he contributed to the station’s coverage of the September 11 terrorist attacks, as WCBS was situated less than five miles from the World Trade Center.
In 2005, Anastos signed a five-year contract worth $2 million annually with WNYW-TV, where he led the evening newscasts. He remained with the station for 15 years before pursuing further education at Harvard Business School.
Throughout his career, Anastos earned over 30 local News Emmys and was honored with an Edward R. Murrow Award for broadcast excellence. He was also inducted into the New York State Broadcasters Association Hall of Fame in 2024.
