The TV journalist, whose career spanned four decades and earned him more than 30 Emmys, died of pneumonia.

Ernie Anastos, legendary Emmy-winning New York news anchor, dies at 82

The TV journalist, whose career spanned four decades and earned him more than 30 Emmys, died of pneumonia.

By Mekishana Pierre

Mekishana Pierre

Mekishana Pierre is a news writer at **. She has been working at EW since 2025. Her work has previously appeared on Entertainment Tonight and Popsugar.

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March 13, 2026 11:14 a.m. ET

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Ernie Anastos in 2012. Credit:

Theo Wargo/Getty

Ernie Anastos, the legendary Emmy-winning *Eyewitness News* anchor and talk show host, died on Thursday. He was 82.

WABC-TV, where Anastos got his start and served as the anchor for *Eyewitness News* for 11 years, announced his death Thursday morning. The broadcast journalist died of pneumonia at Northern Westchester Hospital in Mount Kisco, N.Y., his wife Kelly Anastos, confirmed to CBS News.

"He was a news legend in New York and throughout the tri-state. He was also a news legend here at Channel 7 Eyewitness News. Tonight, we remember him," WABC anchor Bill Ritter said during the broadcast. "He was something unique and no matter your politics."

Ernest Alexander Anastos was born on July 12, 1943, in Nashua, N.H., to Phillip and Alexandra Anastos. At 15, he landed his first radio position in New Hampshire and continued in radio while studying sociology and anthropology at Northeastern University. After graduating with a degree in sociology, he scored a job at WRKO-AM in Boston before landing his first TV role at WPRI in Providence, R.I., in 1976.

Two years later, Anastos joined WABC-TV as a reporter, anchoring the 5 p.m. and 11 p.m. newscasts for the network before leaving in 1989.

WABC news anchor Ernie Anastos in 1986.

American Broadcasting Companies via Getty

Anastos made his mark covering major stories over the years, including the historically high crime rates of the 1980s, the aftermath of the death of Princess Diana, Fidel Castro's reign in Cuba, the Sept. 11 attacks, and the COVID-19 pandemic. He's earned multiple accolades throughout his decades-long career, including more than 30 Emmy Awards and an Edward R. Murrow Award.

After WABC-TV, Anastos would go on to work for WCBS and at WNYW Fox 5, where he finished his career. He also hosted the *Positively Ernie* radio talk show for WABC 770 AM.

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He also holds honorary doctorate degrees from Marist College, New York Institute of Technology, Manhattanville College, Curry College, and Sacred Heart University

Ernie Anastos in 2012.

Michael Stewart/WireImage

"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. May we remember him with the respect and admiration he so deeply earned," New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani posted on social media, paying tribute to Anastos' legacy.

Fox affiliate WNYW shared a statement on the "profound sadness" of Anastos' death. "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 is survived by his wife and two children, Nina Floyd and Phillip Anastos, as well as four grandchildren.

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