Iconic New York News Anchor Ernie Anastos Dies at 82

Tributes pour in for the legendary broadcaster who spent over four decades delivering the news to New Yorkers

Mar. 13, 2026 at 12:51pm

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Ernie Anastos, the legendary New York news anchor who spent over four decades delivering the news to viewers across the city, has died at the age of 82 from pneumonia. Anastos worked at multiple local news stations, including WCBS, Fox 5 New York, and WABC, and was described as one of the "Mount Rushmore of newscasters" in the region. Colleagues and fans alike paid tribute to Anastos's long and storied career, marked by 30 Emmy Awards and an Edward R. Murrow Award.

Why it matters

Anastos was a fixture in New York television news for generations, and his passing marks the end of an era for the city's iconic news anchors. As one of the most trusted and respected journalists in the region, Anastos's career highlights the changing landscape of local news and the enduring importance of credible, fact-based reporting.

The details

Anastos worked at multiple New York news stations over his four-decade career, including WABC, WCBS, and Fox 5 New York. He was known for his professionalism, poise, and ability to connect with viewers. Colleagues described him as a "pro" who "paired well with every co-anchor they ever put him with." In his career, Anastos amassed an impressive 30 Emmy Awards and an Edward R. Murrow Award.

  • Ernie Anastos died on Thursday, March 13, 2026 from pneumonia.
  • Anastos started his news career at WABC in 1978, spending 11 years there before moving to WCBS and later Fox 5 New York.

The players

Ernie Anastos

A legendary New York news anchor who spent over four decades delivering the news to viewers across the city, amassing 30 Emmy Awards and an Edward R. Murrow Award during his storied career.

Kelly Anastos

Ernie Anastos's wife, who confirmed his death to multiple news outlets.

Tony Aiello

A CBS News New York reporter who said that if there was a "Mount Rushmore for news anchors in New York, Ernie would be one of the four faces."

Rosanna Scotto

An anchor at Fox 5 New York who worked alongside Ernie Anastos and paid tribute to him in an Instagram post.

Bill Ritter

A former co-anchor of Ernie Anastos at WABC in the 1970s and 1980s, who said Anastos "was trusted" and "believed in reporting the truth and facts."

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What they’re saying

“If there was a Mount Rushmore for news anchors in New York, Ernie would be one of the four faces. He worked at four stations. He paired well with every co-anchor they ever put him with because he was such a pro.”

— Tony Aiello, CBS News New York reporter (CBS News New York)

“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.”

— Rosanna Scotto, Fox 5 New York anchor (Instagram)

“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, Former WABC co-anchor (WABC)

The takeaway

Ernie Anastos's passing marks the end of an era for New York's iconic news anchors, underscoring the enduring importance of credible, fact-based journalism and the ability of trusted reporters to connect with their community. His long and storied career, marked by numerous accolades, serves as a testament to the power of local news to inform and unite a city.