ernie anastos has died at the age of 82, a major loss for New York television news. The death was confirmed on March 12, 2026, at 12: 00 AM ET in New York, after word reached Eyewitness News from people close to his family. The development is being treated as breaking news as the city reacts to the passing of a familiar on-air presence whose career spanned multiple stations.
What we know right now
At 12: 00 AM ET, confirmation circulated that ernie anastos had died at 82. The confirmation came from individuals close to his family, shared directly with Eyewitness News. No further details about the circumstances of his death were provided in the information available at publication time.
Anastos was an anchor at Eyewitness News for 11 years, beginning in 1978 and leaving in 1989. Over the course of his career, he also worked as an anchor at WCBS, WWOR, and WNYW, maintaining a high profile in New York’s competitive broadcast landscape.
Career milestones and recognition for Ernie Anastos
The record of professional honors attached to Anastos’ career is extensive: he won more than 30 Emmy awards and nominations and received the prestigious Lifetime Emmy Award. Those accolades marked both long-term consistency and prominence in a field where recognition is hard-earned and closely scrutinized.
In his most recent appearance on WABC, he was featured in a documentary focused on the death of John Lennon. That appearance underscored how his work and public presence continued beyond his primary anchoring years, remaining tied to major stories with enduring attention.
Immediate reactions
Public reaction is still developing at 12: 00 AM ET, with official statements and memorial plans not yet included in the information available. What is clear is that the confirmation of his passing was communicated by individuals close to his family, indicating the news was shared from within Anastos’ personal circle rather than through a formal public briefing at this time.
Quick context
Anastos spent 11 years as an anchor at Eyewitness News starting in 1978, then continued anchoring at WCBS, WWOR, and WNYW. His Emmy record includes more than 30 awards and nominations, as well as a Lifetime Emmy Award.
What’s next
This remains a developing story at 12: 00 AM ET, and updates are expected as additional verified details become available. For now, the key confirmed fact is the death of ernie anastos at 82, closing a chapter on a career that left a visible imprint on New York television news across multiple stations.
