It is a sad time for New York broadcasting. Ernie Anastos, the legendary news anchor who was a staple of New York City television for over 40 years, passed away on Thursday, March 12, 2026, at the age of 82.
His wife, Kelly, confirmed that he died at Northern Westchester Hospital in Mount Kisco due to complications from pneumonia.
A Legendary Career
Ernie Anastos was one of the few broadcasters to anchor the evening news at all four of New York City's flagship stations. His career was defined by his upbeat personality and his famous sign-off, "Keep smiling!"
* The Big Four: He held major anchoring roles at WABC (7), WCBS (2), WNYW (Fox 5), and WWOR (My9).
* Awards: He earned 30 Emmy Awards and nominations, including a prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award.
* Legacy of Positivity: Even after leaving the daily anchor desk in 2019, he continued his mission of uplifting journalism through his "Positively Ernie" radio segments and the "Positively America" TV show.
Tributes and Impact
Colleagues and city officials have shared heartfelt tributes, describing him as the "Mount Rushmore" of New York news.
* Community Roots: A proud Greek-American, he was a prominent figure in the Greek Orthodox Church and was often referred to as the "patron saint of Greek diners" because his photo was a fixture in so many of them across the five boroughs.
* Personal Life: He is survived by his wife, Kelly, their two children, and four grandchildren.
> "He treated every day like it was his first day on the job. Ernie knew everybody, and everybody loved him." — Jesse Zanger, CBS New York
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Would you like me to find details about any specific memorial services or where to send donations in his honor?
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