Former Eyewitness News anchor Ernie Anastos has passed away at the age of 82. His death marks the end of a significant chapter in broadcasting history, as he was a prominent figure in the Tri-State area for nearly 50 years.
Anastos joined Eyewitness News in 1978, where he anchored the 5 p.m. and 11 p.m. newscasts for 11 years before departing in 1989. Throughout his extensive career, he also worked at various New York television stations, including WCBS, WWOR, and WNYW. Most recently, he hosted a programme called Positively Ernie on WABC 770 AM.
His contributions to broadcast journalism earned him more than 30 Emmy Awards and nominations, alongside the esteemed Lifetime Achievement Emmy Award. Anastos covered numerous pivotal events, including the World Trade Center attacks and the COVID-19 pandemic, showcasing his versatility as a journalist.
In his final public appearance, Anastos featured in a 2020 documentary about the assassination of musician John Lennon. He was anchoring the news on December 8, 1980, when reports confirmed Lennon’s death. Anastos became a respected figure beyond the newsroom, engaging actively with the community and maintaining a lively social media presence.
Before his career in broadcasting, Anastos graduated from Northeastern University with a Bachelor of Arts in sociology. He also received honorary doctorates from several institutions, including Marist College and Sacred Heart University. Earlier in his career, Anastos worked at stations in Boston and Providence, Rhode Island.
Eyewitness News anchor Bill Ritter reflected on Anastos’s legacy, stating he was a trusted reporter who prioritised truth and facts. Recently, Anastos reached out to Ritter with a supportive note. His last Facebook post, dated March 3, called for the protection of the truth. The future of Anastos’s broadcasting legacy remains prominent and respected in the industry.
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