Ernie Anastos was an American Emmy award-winning television news anchor and talk show host. His WABC 770 AM show was called “Positively Ernie.” It focused on uplifting stories and interviews. Ernie was also an author and host of his own nationally syndicated TV show, “Positively America.” Most visibly he anchored the Evening News at four flagship network stations in New York. In 2017, New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio honoured Anastos by designating every March 21st to be “Ernie Anastos Day

Anastos covered stories including the September 11 attacks and the COVID-19 pandemic. He reported on Cuba and Fidel Castro, and in 2004 Ernie interviewed Presidents Jimmy Carter, George HW Bush, and Bill Clinton. He also interviewed Soviet President Mikhail Gorbachev and South African Bishop Desmond Tutu.  

Ernie had Broadcast ownership of AM and FM radio stations in New York State and New England. He was also the CEO of his own television production company, creating entertainment programming. He launched an Internet youth channel and also published newspapers and magazines. He even performed as himself in Hollywood motion pictures.

Anastos was a Hall of Fame Broadcaster who received a total of more than 30 Emmy Awards and nominations, These including “Best Newscast in New York,” as well as The Edward R Murrow Award for broadcast excellence. The New York Times called Ernie the best anchorman on TV. Anastos wrote and published educational books for young readers. He was also proud to be an anchorman of Greek-American heritage.

Ernie Anastos was born on July 12th, 1943 in Nashua, New Hampshire. He went on to have the impressive career that I’ve described above.

Ernie Anastos died of pneumonia at Northern Westchester Hospital on March 12th, 2026 at the age of 82.