Ernie Anastos, Hall of Fame NYC news anchor, dies at 82

Ernie Anastos, the Emmy Award-winning television newsman who anchored the evening news at four of New York City’s flagship stations over a career spanning more than 40 years, died early Thursday. He was 82.

Mr. Anastos died of pneumonia at Northern Westchester Hospital, his wife told CBS New York.

A staple of New York broadcasting, Mr. Anastos spent 11 years at WABC-TV’s “Eyewitness News” beginning in 1978. Throughout his storied career, he also held lead anchor roles at WCBS-TV, WWOR-TV, and WNYW-TV. Known for his relentlessly upbeat demeanor and his trademark sign-off, “Keep it positive,” he became one of the most trusted and recognizable figures in local journalism.

Born in Nashua, New Hampshire, Mr. Anastos began his career in Boston radio before moving to television in Providence, Rhode Island. He eventually moved to the New York market, where he guided viewers through historic events including the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks and the 2020 coronavirus pandemic. He was inducted into the New York State Broadcaster’s Hall of Fame in 2007.

In 2019, Mr. Anastos stepped away from the Fox 5 anchor desk to enroll in a leadership and management program at Harvard Business School. He remained active in media until his death, hosting “Positively Ernie” on 77 WABC radio and the syndicated television program “Positively America.”

During his career, Mr. Anastos received more than 30 Emmy awards and nominations, including a Lifetime Achievement Award from the New York Chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences.