Ernie Anastos, legendary New York news anchor, dies at 82

Veteran broadcaster Ernie Anastos, a familiar face on New York television for nearly five decades, has died at the age of 82.

Ernie Anastos was one of the most recognisable figures in local broadcast journalism, anchoring major newscasts and covering historic events that shaped the city and the nation.

His death was confirmed by people close to his family.

Anastos spent 11 years as an anchor at WABC-TV beginning in 1978, where he became a prominent presence on Eyewitness News, leading the station’s 5pm and 11pm broadcasts until 1989.

A career that defined New York television

Across a career spanning decades, Anastos worked at several major stations across the New York media landscape.

In addition to WABC, he also anchored at WCBS-TV, WWOR-TV and WNYW.

More recently, he remained active in broadcasting on WABC Radio, where he hosted a programme titled Positively Ernie.

During his career he received more than 30 Emmy Awards and nominations, including a prestigious Lifetime Emmy Award recognising his contributions to journalism.

Reporting historic moments

Anastos covered some of the most significant stories of the modern era.

Among the major events he reported on were the September 11 attacks and later the global COVID-19 pandemic.

He also anchored the night broadcast on December 8, 1980 when WABC confirmed the killing of John Lennon.

A trusted voice for generations

Colleagues and viewers alike remembered Anastos as a journalist deeply committed to delivering accurate news.

Bill Ritter, who later anchored the same WABC newscast, described him as a uniquely trusted figure in local journalism.

“No matter your politics, Ernie was trusted,” Ritter said. “Reporting the news, reporting truth and facts, that’s what Ernie believed in.”

Just two weeks before his death, Anastos had sent Ritter a note offering encouragement.

A larger-than-life presence beyond the newsroom

Outside television studios, Anastos was a regular presence at community events across the New York metropolitan area and remained active with fans online.

His final Facebook post, published on March 3, featured a video filmed outside the Daily News Building in Manhattan.

“Now more than ever we need to promote and protect the truth!” he wrote.

For generations of viewers in New York, Anastos’ voice and presence became synonymous with the nightly news.