New York City mourns the loss of Ernie Anastos, the Hall of Fame broadcast journalist who passed away this week at the age of 82. A mainstay of New York airwaves for over four decades, Anastos was more than a news anchor; he was a symbol of integrity, optimism, and deep cultural pride.
While millions knew him as the face of ABC7, CBS2, and FOX5, Ernie’s journey began in the close-knit Greek-American community of Nashua, New Hampshire. The grandson of a Greek Orthodox priest, Fr. Anastasios Anastasiou, Ernie was raised with the Hellenic values of philotimo—a sense of honor, duty, and hospitality—that would later define his “Positively Ernie” broadcasting philosophy.
Ernie Anastos: “Proud of my Greek heritage”
Anastos made history as the first Greek-American to anchor a major-market television newscast in the United States. He broke barriers not by distancing himself from his roots, but by leaning into them. For fifty years, he served as a bridge between his heritage and the city he loved, frequently leading the Greek Independence Day Parade on Fifth Avenue and serving as a prominent voice for the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America.
“I am very proud of my Greek heritage. I am extremely proud of my family and all of the good values and qualities that they’ve passed on to me,” he once told Greek Reporter.
Though he admitted that “one of my first inclinations as a young person was to enter the priesthood,” his calling ultimately shifted toward the airwaves. This passion manifested early; by age ten, he was already “broadcasting” from his living room, reading news and telling stories to anyone who would listen.
This lifelong enthusiasm was the engine of his career, as he often noted, “I still feel like a kid at heart since I love what I do!” It was this very “kid at heart” energy that allowed him to land his first professional radio job in New Hampshire at just 15 years old, commencing a journey that would span over six decades.
Ernie’s heart was always split between the city he served and the land of his ancestors. A frequent traveler to the Mediterranean, he often spoke of his deep affection for the islands of Mykonos, Santorini, and Patmos, and the ancient history found in Athens and Delphi. To Ernie, Greece was more than a vacation spot; it was a moral compass.
“The center of democracy… is a reminder of our rich history and contributions to the world,” he once reflected, speaking to Greek Reporter.
Champion of “good news”
Yet, he was equally defined by his service as a communications specialist in the United States Army, often noting, “Our culture has its origins in Greece, and I’m also proud to be an American.” This dual identity fueled his participation in countless patriotic programs across New York City, driven by a “great admiration and respect” for both his roots and his country.
Beyond his 28 Emmy Awards, Ernie’s legacy is rooted in his humanity. Whether reporting on the world’s biggest stories or championing the “Good News” segments that became his trademark, he remained grounded in the faith and family values of his upbringing. He is survived by his wife, Kelly, and their children, leaving behind a legacy of kindness that transcended the television screen.
Ernie Anastos once said his goal was to “make a difference in people’s lives.” Through his trailblazing career and his unwavering devotion to his Greek roots, he did exactly that.
Related: Up Close and Personal with Broadcaster Ernie Anastos