What Happened to Ernie Anastos?
Ernie Anastos, a legendary New York Emmy Award-winning television news anchor and talk show host, passed away on March 12, 2026, at the age of 82. Throughout his decades-long career, he was a prominent figure on New York's major network stations, known for his positive approach to news and his nationally syndicated show "Positively America" and radio program "Positively Ernie."
Quick Answer
Ernie Anastos, the iconic New York City news anchor, died on March 12, 2026, at 82 years old. He was a beloved figure in broadcasting, having anchored at WABC-TV, WCBS-TV, and WNYW-TV, and was known for his upbeat approach to journalism through his 'Positively Ernie' and 'Positively America' programs. His passing marks the end of an illustrious career that spanned over four decades in the media capital of the world.
📊Key Facts
📅Complete Timeline13 events
Born in Nashua, New Hampshire
Ernie Anastos was born in Nashua, New Hampshire, beginning his journey to become a prominent broadcaster.
Moved to Television at WPRI-TV
After working in radio in Boston, Anastos transitioned to television, becoming an anchor at WPRI-TV in Providence, Rhode Island.
Joined WABC-TV in New York
Anastos was hired by WABC-TV in New York, where he became an anchor for the 11:00 p.m. Eyewitness News broadcast, establishing his presence in the major market.
Left WABC-TV for WCBS-TV
After eleven years at WABC-TV, Anastos announced his departure and joined WCBS-TV as their lead anchor for the 5 p.m. and 11 p.m. newscasts.
Involved in Radio/TV Broadcast Ownership
During this period, Anastos diversified his career by becoming involved in radio and television broadcast ownership, alongside various anchoring and hosting assignments.
Returned to WCBS-TV, Covered 9/11
Anastos rejoined WCBS-TV as lead anchor, notably providing award-winning coverage of the September 11th World Trade Center attacks.
Signed $10M Contract with WNYW-TV (FOX 5)
Anastos signed a five-year, $10 million contract with WNYW-TV, becoming a co-anchor for their 5 p.m. and 10 p.m. newscasts.
Declared 'Ernie Anastos Day' in NYC
New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio honored Anastos by designating March 21st as 'Ernie Anastos Day' in recognition of his contributions to broadcasting.
Left FOX 5 for Harvard Business School
Anastos relinquished his anchoring duties at WNYW-TV to enroll in a leadership and management curriculum at Harvard Business School.
Completed Harvard Business School Program
Successfully completed his leadership and management courses at Harvard Business School, receiving a specialized distinction award.
Launched "Positively America" Syndicated TV Show
Anastos debuted "Positively America with Ernie Anastos," a nationally syndicated half-hour weekend program focused on uplifting stories, initially with Gray Television stations.
Launched "Positively Ernie" Radio Show on WABC
Ernie Anastos rejoined WABC (770 AM) with a new program, "Positively Ernie with Ernie Anastos," focusing on positive perspectives on daily stories.
Passed Away at 82
Ernie Anastos died at the age of 82. News of his passing was confirmed by those close to his family and reported by WABC/7.
🔍Deep Dive Analysis
Ernie Anastos, born on July 12, 1943, in Nashua, New Hampshire, became a household name in New York City broadcasting over a career spanning more than 40 years. After beginning his career in radio in Boston and television in Providence, Anastos joined WABC-TV in New York in 1978, quickly becoming a fixture on the 11:00 p.m. Eyewitness News broadcast. He moved to WCBS-TV in 1989 as a lead anchor and later had stints at WWOR-TV before returning to WCBS-TV in 2001, where he notably covered the 9/11 World Trade Center attacks.
In 2005, Anastos signed a significant five-year, $10 million contract with WNYW-TV (FOX 5), anchoring their 5 p.m. and 10 p.m. newscasts. During his time at FOX 5, he pioneered a more positive approach to news, developing segments like 'Positively Ernie' that focused on uplifting stories and solutions, a philosophy that would define his later career. He was honored by New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio in 2017, with March 21st being declared 'Ernie Anastos Day.'
Anastos departed from his anchoring duties at WNYW-TV in June 2019 to enroll in a leadership and management program at Harvard Business School, seeking to further his extensive communications background. After completing his studies in 2021, he launched "Positively America with Ernie Anastos," a nationally syndicated half-hour weekend television program, and a radio show "Positively Ernie" on 77 WABC, continuing his mission to deliver positive and inspiring news. These ventures showcased his enduring commitment to journalism with an optimistic twist, reaching audiences across 200 television stations and various podcast platforms.
Ernie Anastos passed away on March 12, 2026, at the age of 82. His death was confirmed by sources close to his family, and WABC/7, where he spent a significant part of his career, reported on his passing. Anastos's legacy is marked by his numerous Emmy Awards, his distinctive warm and sincere broadcasting style, and his dedication to finding and sharing positive stories, leaving an indelible mark on New York City's media landscape and beyond.
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if Ernie Anastos made different choices?