Ernie Anastos, one of New York’s most recognizable television news anchors and the first Greek‑American network anchorman in the U.S., has died at 82. The death was confirmed by those close to his family and reported by ABC 7 News. Anastos’ career shaped New York broadcast journalism for decades, making this a notable loss for viewers and the local media community.

Who he was and what happened

Born July 12, 1943, Ernie Anastos built a storied broadcast career across New York’s top stations — most notably WABC‑TV, WCBS‑TV, WWOR and WNYW‑TV. He anchored Eyewitness News at WABC beginning in 1978 and remained a fixture on New York airwaves through 2019. Those close to his family confirmed his death; further details have not been released.

Career, coverage and recognitions

Anastos earned widespread recognition: he accumulated more than 30 Emmy awards and nominations, received a Lifetime Emmy and the Edward R. Murrow Award for broadcast writing. The New York Times once called him “the ubiquitous anchorman.”

His reporting included some of the era’s defining moments — coverage of the September 11 attacks, reporting during the COVID‑19 pandemic and international assignments such as a 2004 report from Cuba. Over his long run he interviewed presidents, world leaders and cultural figures, and became a familiar evening presence for generations of viewers.

Beyond the desk

Off camera, Anastos was an entrepreneur and author. He owned radio stations in New York and New England, founded a television production company and wrote career and educational books for young readers. Academically, he graduated from Northeastern University with a sociology degree, completed studies at Harvard Business School and held multiple honorary doctorates. Civic honors included the Ellis Island Medal of Honor and recognition as New Yorker of the Year by the Manhattan Chamber of Commerce.

Why it matters now

Anastos’ death marks the end of a broadcast era in New York — a city where local anchors frequently become civic touchstones. In 2017, New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio declared March 21 “Ernie Anastos Day” in recognition of his contributions, underscoring the connection he built with the city over time.

Reaction and next steps

The news was relayed to media outlets by family sources and carried by local stations. No immediate public details about memorials or services were available at the time of reporting.

What viewers can expect

  • Local newsrooms that employed Anastos are likely to carry tributes and retrospectives in the coming days.
  • Archives of his long broadcast career — interviews, major‑event coverage and award‑winning segments — will be referenced by colleagues and media historians as part of his legacy.

Ernie Anastos is survived by his family. For many New Yorkers, his voice and presence on the evening news were a constant; his passing closes a major chapter in the city’s television history.