Ernie Anastos, a pioneering Greek-American broadcaster with a career spanning WABC, WCBS, WWOR and Fox 5, has died at 82 after a long tenure shaping New York television.

Away from the newsroom, he stayed deeply involved with the Greek-American community, serving as Grand Marshal of the Greek Independence Day Parade and engaging in philanthropy and cultural advocacy.

Colleagues paid tribute to his leadership and character, with Rosanna Scotto and Teresa Priolo highlighting his impact on colleagues and the industry.

His final appearances included a March 3 social media video stressing the importance of truth in journalism and its protection.

Even in later years, he remained active in public discourse, delivering messages about teaching truth in homes and schools and hosting 77WABC radio shows.

He appeared in a 2023 WABC documentary about John Lennon’s death and held a sociology degree from Northeastern University alongside honorary doctorates.

Over a career that included reporting on events from 9/11 to the COVID-19 pandemic, he earned more than 30 Emmy awards and nominations, and a Lifetime Emmy Award for his work.

He was a cornerstone of Eyewitness News on WABC-TV for 11 years (1978–1989), anchoring the 11 p.m. and 5 p.m. broadcasts before moving to WCBS, WWOR and Fox 5, where he remained until 2019 to pursue further education.

Born July 12, 1943, in Nashua, New Hampshire, he grew up in a Greek household with strong church ties; his paternal grandfather was among the first Greek Orthodox priests ordained in America.

He is survived by his wife Kelly, daughter Nina, son Phillip, and four grandchildren, with his family rooted in Armonk, New York.

A Fox 5 NY tribute video drew on both current and prior reporting from FOX 5 NY to commemorate his career.

His death is seen as the end of an era for local TV journalism, underscoring the lasting impact of trusted, compassionate reporting on communities and national discourse.