Ernie Anastos, Legendary New York News Anchor, Dies at 82

Tributes pour in for the Emmy-winning journalist who anchored at multiple major stations over a 40-year career

Mar. 13, 2026 at 9:48am

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Ernie Anastos, a beloved and iconic New York news anchor who spent over four decades reporting in the city, has died at the age of 82. Anastos, who won over 30 Emmy Awards during his career, anchored at several major local stations including WABC, WCBS, and WNYW. Colleagues and viewers praised his integrity, commitment to truth, and status as a trusted figure in New York journalism.

Why it matters

Anastos was a fixture in New York television news for generations, earning a reputation as one of the city's most respected and recognizable journalists. His passing marks the end of an era and the loss of a true news legend who helped shape the landscape of local broadcasting in the nation's largest media market.

The details

Anastos, who was born in New Hampshire and graduated from Northeastern University, began his career in radio before transitioning to television news in Providence, Rhode Island. He joined WABC in New York in 1978 and spent 11 years as an Eyewitness News anchor. Anastos then moved to WCBS in 1989, where he anchored through the mid-1990s. After a brief hiatus, he returned to WCBS in 2001 and led the station's coverage of the 9/11 attacks. In 2005, he joined WNYW, where he anchored until 2019 when he left to enroll at Harvard Business School.

  • Ernie Anastos died early on Thursday, March 13, 2026 at Northern Westchester Hospital.
  • Anastos began his career in radio before transitioning to television news in Providence, Rhode Island.
  • Anastos joined WABC in New York in 1978 and spent 11 years as an Eyewitness News anchor.
  • Anastos moved to WCBS in 1989, where he anchored through the mid-1990s.
  • Anastos returned to WCBS in 2001 and led the station's coverage of the 9/11 attacks.

The players

Ernie Anastos

An Emmy-winning news anchor who became one of New York's most recognizable local news figures over a 40-year career, anchoring at several major stations including WABC, WCBS, and WNYW.

Kelly Anastos

Ernie Anastos' wife, who confirmed his death from pneumonia at Northern Westchester Hospital.

Bill Ritter

A WABC anchor who praised Anastos' integrity and commitment to reporting the truth and facts.

Tony Aiello

A CBS News reporter who said Anastos would be one of the four faces on a 'Mount Rushmore' for New York news anchors.

Nina Floyd

Ernie Anastos' daughter.

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What they’re saying

“He was something unique, and no matter your politics, Ernie was trusted. Reporting the news, reporting truth and facts, that's what Ernie believed in.”

— Bill Ritter, WABC anchor (WABC)

“If there was a Mount Rushmore for news anchors in New York, Ernie would be one of the four faces.”

— Tony Aiello, CBS News reporter (CBS News)

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

— Ernie Anastos (Ernie Anastos' final social media post)

The takeaway

Ernie Anastos' passing marks the end of an era for New York journalism, as the city loses one of its most trusted and respected news anchors. His commitment to truth, integrity, and excellence in reporting set a high standard that future generations of local journalists will strive to emulate.