Ernie Anastos, a renowned figure in New York news, has died at 82. He was a steadfast voice for many generations of New Yorkers.
Fox 5 announced the news with deep sorrow, stating, “It is with profound sadness that we share the passing of Ernie Anastos, who died at the age of 82.”
An Emmy Award-winning journalist, Anastos’s integrity and influence in New York journalism have left an indelible mark.
He passed away early Thursday from pneumonia at Northern Westchester Hospital, as confirmed by his wife.
Anastos’s career spanned decades, where he reported on significant events, such as the 9/11 attacks and the COVID-19 pandemic. Over his illustrious career, he received 30 Emmy Awards and ultimately a Lifetime Emmy Award.
As a proud Greek-American, Anastos worked at many of the city’s major news outlets and was honored with induction into the New York State Broadcasters Association Hall of Fame.
He began his journey at ABC 7 in 1978, later working at CBS 2 and WWOR, before returning to CBS in 2001.
Such great man, what a sad day…😢 RIP Ernie Anastos 🙏🏼 pic.twitter.com/rLXjPR0g6A
— Chris Cristi (@abc7chriscristi) March 12, 2026
In 2005, Anastos joined Fox 5, becoming a well-known nightly anchor with Rosanna Scotto. He departed from the station around 2020, subsequently enrolling in leadership management at Harvard Business School.
Even post-retirement, Anastos remained committed to journalistic integrity. He admired Walter Cronkite and hosted a show on 77WABC radio in his later years.
In a poignant Instagram video posted on March 3, he emphasized, “We have to teach truth in our homes and in our schools.”
He also shared his experiences dealing with pressures on broadcasters with ethnic names, reflecting on advice from executives during his early career.
Tributes began pouring in following the announcement of his passing.
Rosanna Scotto expressed her grief, noting, “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.”
Similarly, former colleague Teresa Priolo described him as the “heart of our newsroom,” reaffirming the high esteem in which he was held.
“He was the gold standard in life and in this crazy news business,” she remarked.
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