Ernie Anastos, the legendary anchor who spent over four decades delivering the news of the day to New Yorkers, has died at 82.
Anastos’s wife, Kelly, confirmed to multiple outlets that he died of pneumonia.
News of Anastos’s death was delivered by some of his former stations live on air as a breaking news bulletin.
Anastos worked at WCBS, Fox 5 New York, WBC and Channel 9 throughout his career.
CBS News New York reporter Tony Aiello said, “If there was a Mount Rushmore for news anchors in New York, Ernie would be one of the four faces. He worked at four stations. He paired well with every co-anchor they ever put him with because he was such a pro.”
Rosanna Scotto, who sat in the anchor chat at Fox 5 New York with Anastos, wrote in a touching Instagram tribute: “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. We are all heartbroken.”
In a career that spanned over four decades, Anastos amassed 30 Emmy Awards — including the Emmy Lifetime Award — and an Edward R. Murrow Award.
More to follow
