Veteran NYC News Anchor Ernie Anastos Dies at 82

Anastos served as a trusted source of news for the tri-state area for decades.

Mar. 13, 2026 at 4:38pm

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Longtime New York City news anchor Ernie Anastos, who worked at several major television networks in the city over his lengthy career, has died at the age of 82. Anastos was a beloved figure in the New York media landscape and was considered one of the city's broadcasting icons.

Why it matters

Anastos was a fixture on New York television for over four decades, serving as a trusted voice and source of news for generations of viewers in the tri-state area. His passing marks the end of an era for New York journalism and the loss of a beloved local media personality.

The details

Anastos spent time on-air with several different flagship New York television networks, starting with ABC 7 in 1978 and later working for CBS 2, WWOR, and Fox 5 before retiring in 2020. He was known for his warmth, positivity, and professional expertise, and was praised for his award-winning coverage of major events like the 9/11 attacks.

  • Anastos joined ABC 7 in 1978.
  • He moved to CBS 2 in 1989.
  • Anastos joined WWOR in 1997.
  • He returned to CBS in 2001.
  • Anastos joined Fox 5 in 2005 and remained there until his retirement in 2020.

The players

Ernie Anastos

A longtime New York City news anchor who worked at several major television networks in the city over his 40-year career, earning numerous Emmy awards and a reputation as a trusted and beloved figure in local journalism.

Kelly Anastos

Ernie Anastos' wife, who confirmed his death from pneumonia at the age of 82.

Tony Aiello

A CBS News New York reporter who praised Anastos as one of the city's broadcasting icons, saying "If there was a Mount Rushmore for news anchors in New York, Ernie would be one of the four faces."

Rosanna Scotto

Anastos' co-anchor at Fox 5, where he hosted the nightly news until his retirement in 2020.

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What they’re saying

“New York City has lost a true broadcasting icon with the passing of Ernie Anastos at the age of 82.”

— Fox News (Fox News)

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

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

The takeaway

Ernie Anastos' passing marks the end of an era for New York journalism, as the city loses one of its most beloved and trusted news anchors. Anastos' long and distinguished career, spanning multiple television networks, and his reputation as a consummate professional and warm on-air personality, cemented his status as a true icon of local media in the tri-state area.