The Passing of the Legendary Anchorman Ernie Anastos

[IceManNYR 249]

 

 

[Encore 323 79]

Former longtime FOX 5 anchor Ernie Anastos has died at the age of 82. He also worked at ABC 7 prior to FOX 5 as stated in that thread. As many of us know, he was one of the remaining living legends in New York news, and his storytelling made a big impact on the entire Tri-State area. 

May he rest in peace.

Edited March 13 by Encore 323

[NowBergen 924]

9 minutes ago, Encore 323 said:

Former longtime FOX 5 anchor Ernie Arnastos has died at the age of 82. He also worked at ABC 7 prior to the FOX 5 as stated in that thread. As many of us know, he was one of the remaining living legends in New York news, and his storytelling made a big impact on the entire Tri-State area. 

May he rest in peace.

There are other posts on Ch. 7 board too.  He also worked for WCBS2, and prior to moving to NY to work for almost every station (WNBC and PIX are the exceptions) he was at WPRI in Providence where some of us first saw him.  Because he worked at so many NY stations, perhaps all further posts should go into the main NY thread?

[MorningNews 1711]

This one is really sad. He was a legendary news figure in this great city. 

[abric 227]

He believed anchored at all the OTA NY stations except WPIX. True legend.

[NowBergen 924]

8 minutes ago, abric said:

He believed anchored at all the OTA NY stations except WPIX. True legend.

Haven’t on WNBC.  All the rest.  Previously at WPRI in Providence 

[Vlad 406]

Ugh, , Damn. This is some difficult news to bear. I really revered him. Im honestly a little bit heartbroken. I seemed to believe he could live much longer because of how well he l had taken care of himself. Even though he was no longer on TV, it seemed like he was always available in someway. I mostly remember him on Fox 5. The face of that channel really at the time. I remember watching him leading in, after American Idol in the late 2000s and 2010s.
 

He was so respected and well liked here on these forums, we always talked about him. Especially during the earlier days of this forum. Ernie Anastos was is on par with all of New York's great anchors we all know, Roger Grimsby, Bill Beutel, Chuck Scarborough, etc, he was the face of WABC in the 80s and then of course WNYW in through the 2000s. I miss his calm demeanor and his smile. Great wholesome man with a lot of integrity, valor and trust. He will be missed. May he rest in peace and may our memories of him keep his spirit alive.

Edited March 13 by Vlad

[MediaZone4K 2661]

Rose Ann Scamardella!! on Ernie's passing

Ernie's WWOR days (1998)

Ernie's last day at WCBS (2005)

 

[GraphicsMan 345]

One of the best news anchors New York ever had.

[MediaZone4K 2661]

On 3/12/2026 at 11:33 PM, Vlad said:

Ugh, , Damn. This is some difficult news to bear. I really revered him. Im honestly a little bit heartbroken. I seemed to believe he could live much longer because of how well he l had taken care of himself. Even though he was no longer on TV, it seemed like he was always available in someway. I mostly remember him on Fox 5. The face of that channel really at the time. I remember watching him leading in, after American Idol in the late 2000s and 2010s.
 

He was so respected and well liked here on these forums, we always talked about him. Especially during the earlier days of this forum. Ernie Anastos was is on par with all of New York's great anchors we all know, Roger Grimsby, Bill Beutel, Chuck Scarborough, etc, he was the face of WABC in the 80s and then of course WNYW in through the 2000s. I miss his calm demeanor and his smile. Great wholesome man with a lot of integrity, valor and trust. He will be missed. May he rest in peace and may our memories of him keep his spirit alive.

Ernie was still well known by younger generations aparently. Even the "New Yorker" IG page was posing  about him. He looked really great at 82! 

[GraphicsMan 345]

11 hours ago, MediaZone4K said:

Ernie was still well known by younger generations aparently. Even the "New Yorker" IG page was posing  about him. He looked really great at 82! 

I remember watching on Fox 5 with Dari Alexander when I was younger. I’m won’t tell you my age but I’m under 25.

[davidrw 3]

Ernie Anastos truly left a lasting mark on New York journalism. His work at both ABC 7 and FOX 5 set a standard for storytelling and professionalism that few have matched. The discussion here reflects on his career and influence, showing how much he meant to viewers and colleagues alike. May he rest in peace.

[MediaZone4K 2661]

Brenda Blackmon paying tribute! Another legend I wish were still anchoring. Wish another station picked her up after she left PIX 11. Especially Fox 5.

Edited March 18 by MediaZone4K

[Vlad 406]

A stark reminder of the fragility of life, just 2 weeks prior he was alive and well.

 

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DVcAtGYEhWJ/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

 

His final message to the world couldn't be more fitting;  "Now more than ever we need to promote and protect the truth!

 

It's an obligation we all have. I'm still pretty sad he's no longer here.. . He was in such good spirits just two weeks before, definitely a tragic loss and gone too soon. 

 

 

 

 

Edited March 26 by Vlad

[Encore 323 79]

1 hour ago, Vlad said:

A stark reminder of the fragility of life, just 2 weeks prior he was alive and well.

 

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DVcAtGYEhWJ/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

 

His final message to the world couldn't be more fitting;  "Now more than ever we need to promote and protect the truth!

 

It's an obligation we all have. I'm still pretty sad he's no longer here.. . He was in such good spirits just two weeks before, definitely a tragic loss and gone too soon. 

 

 

 

 

With all the editorial censoring going from politicians, the media, along with the drama regarding the Nexstar takeover of Tegna, and the devastating losses that came with it, and the losses that is to come with it, this last statement from Ernie really means something.

[TheRolyPoly 3510]

5 hours ago, Vlad said:

A stark reminder of the fragility of life, just 2 weeks prior he was alive and well.

 

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DVcAtGYEhWJ/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

 

His final message to the world couldn't be more fitting;  "Now more than ever we need to promote and protect the truth!

 

It's an obligation we all have. I'm still pretty sad he's no longer here.. . He was in such good spirits just two weeks before, definitely a tragic loss and gone too soon. 

 

 

 

 

 

That looked like nothing was wrong with him. It just shows how in a sudden instant, things could change and could be taken away from us, just like that. Ugh.