Ernie Anastos Biography: Age, Wife, Career, and More | WABC-TV

Ernie Anastos Biography: Emmy Award-Winning TV News Anchor and WABC Host

Ernie Anastos is a highly respected and recognizable figure in American television news, particularly in the New York City market.

He is renowned for his extensive career as an Emmy Award-winning TV news anchor and is also a host on WABC (770 AM).

Early Life and Education:

Born in Nashua, New Hampshire, Ernie Anastos is distinguished as the United States’ first Greek-American news anchorman.

He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology from Northeastern University in Boston, where he graduated summa cum laude and is a member of the university board.

He also pursued additional studies at Harvard Business School and holds honorary doctorate degrees from several institutions, including Marist College, Sacred Heart University, and New York Institute of Technology.

Career in Television News:

Anastos’s broadcasting career began in radio in Boston before he transitioned to television in 1976. He quickly rose to prominence, anchoring the evening news at four major network stations in New York City:

• WABC-TV (ABC 7): He joined WABC-TV in 1978 and anchored the 11:00 p.m. Eyewitness News broadcast, later adding the 5 p.m. newscast duties. He spent 11 years at WABC, leaving in 1989.

• WCBS-TV (CBS 2): After leaving WABC, he became the lead anchor for WCBS-TV’s 5 and 11 p.m. newscasts. He returned to WCBS in 2001, anchoring the 5, 6, and 11 p.m. news.

• WWOR-TV (UPN 9 / My9): He also anchored and hosted various assignments for WWOR-TV.

• WNYW-TV (FOX 5): In 2005, he signed a significant contract with WNYW-TV, where he anchored the 5 and 10 p.m. newscasts, often alongside Rosanna Scotto.

Throughout his career, Anastos has covered numerous significant events, including the 9/11 World Trade Center attacks and the 2020 global pandemic.

He has reported from international locations, such as Cuba (interviewing Fidel Castro), the Vatican, and London (covering Princess Diana’s funeral).

He also served as a news anchor and reporter for national programs like “CBS This Morning,” “CBS Late News,” and as a substitute host for “ABC’s Good Morning America.”

Emmy Awards and Other Recognitions:

Ernie Anastos is a highly decorated journalist, having received more than 30 Emmy Awards and nominations, including “Best Newscast in New York.”

He is also the first and only New York TV anchor to receive the prestigious Lifetime Emmy Award for his outstanding contributions to the television industry.

Other notable accolades include the Edward R. Murrow Award for broadcast excellence, the Ellis Island Medal of Honor, and being named “New Yorker of the Year” by the Manhattan Chamber of Commerce.

In 2017, New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio honored Anastos by designating every March 21 as Ernie Anastos Day. He is also a Hall of Fame Broadcaster.

WABC Host and “Positively Ernie”:

Currently, Ernie Anastos is a popular talk show host on WABC (770 AM), hosting “Positively Ernie.”

This program focuses on uplifting stories and interviews, aligning with Anastos’s long-standing aspiration to highlight positive news. He also has a nationally syndicated TV show called “Positively America.”

Recognitions:

• Hall of Fame Broadcaster
• Over 30 Emmy Awards & Nominations
• Edward R. Murrow Award for Broadcast Excellence
• Lifetime Emmy Award

Anastos continues to inspire audiences with his “Positively America” syndicated TV show and WABC radio program, focusing on uplifting stories and interviews.

Beyond Broadcasting:

Anastos is also a published author, having written career and educational books for young readers, including “Twixt: Teens Yesterday and Today” and “Ernie and the Big Newz: The Adventures of a TV Reporter.”

He has made on-camera appearances as himself in Hollywood films like “Independence Day” and “Summer of Sam.”

Additionally, he has held broadcast ownership of AM and FM radio stations in New York State and New England and is the CEO of his own television production company.

He is actively involved in philanthropic efforts, hosting and chairing numerous charity events in New York.

Ernie Anastos’s career is marked by his dynamic broadcasting style, credibility, warmth, and sincerity, which have earned him the trust and respect of New Yorkers and his colleagues alike.

“The New York Times” has famously described him as “the ubiquitous anchorman.

Age:

Ernie Anastos was born on July 12, 1943, which makes him 82 years old as of 2025. His zodiac sign is Cancer. He is of Greek-American ethnicity and holds American nationality.

Parents and Siblings:

Ernie Anastos was born to Greek immigrant Peter Anastos and German immigrant Else (Herrmann) Anastos.

He grew up in a close-knit family with two sisters, Maria and Georgia. His family background and heritage have played a significant role in shaping his values and career.

Wife:

Ernie Anastos is married to Kelly Anastos, his longtime partner. The couple has two grown children: Nina Anastos (born in 1976) and Philip Anastos.

They also have four grandchildren who frequently visit their home in Armonk, New York.

Despite his busy career, Anastos has maintained a strong family bond, and his home is decorated with cherished family photos.

His wife and children have been a significant part of his life, supporting his journey in broadcast journalism.

Height, Weight:

Ernie Anastos stands at approximately 5 feet 9 inches (175 cm) tall. His weight is around 75 kg (165 lbs), though specific details may vary.

Career and Background:

Ernie Anastos began his broadcasting career in the 1970s and quickly rose to prominence as a news anchor.

He worked at major networks including WABC-TV, CBS, and FOX, covering significant events and interviewing numerous high-profile individuals.

Early Beginnings in Radio (WRKO & WROR, Boston)

After graduating from Northeastern University with a degree in Sociology, Anastos began honing his journalistic skills in the world of radio in Boston.

Working as a newsman at WRKO and WROR (where he was sometimes credited as Ernie Andrews), he learned the essentials of delivering news with clarity and conviction.

These early radio experiences were instrumental in developing the confident, on-air presence that would define his long career in television journalism.

Transition to Television: WPRI-TV (Providence, Rhode Island)

In 1976, Anastos shifted his focus from radio to television when he joined WPRI-TV in Providence.

At WPRI-TV, he took on anchoring responsibilities—a role that allowed him to master the nuances of visual storytelling and on-camera delivery.

This period was critical for building the skill set that would later serve him well in New York’s competitive media market.

Breakthrough at WABC-TV (New York City)

Ernie’s big break came in June 1978 with his hiring by WABC-TV in New York City.

Soon after, he became the anchor of the 11:00 p.m. “Eyewitness News” broadcast—a slot that quickly made him a familiar face in one of the nation’s most dynamic media markets.

During his tenure at WABC-TV, he also took on responsibilities for the 5:00 p.m. newscast.

These roles not only showcased his journalistic talent but also enabled him to cover key events and develop a rapport with a diverse urban audience.

His work here laid the groundwork for his reputation as a trusted and engaging news anchor.

Expanding His Influence at WCBS-TV (New York City)

In 1989, Anastos transitioned to WCBS-TV, the CBS affiliate in New York, where he expanded his on-air portfolio.

At WCBS-TV, he anchored both the 5:00 p.m. and 11:00 p.m. newscasts.

This move marked a significant step in his career as he began to tackle a broader range of stories—from local news to major national events—further solidifying his position in the highly competitive New York broadcast landscape.

His work during this phase was characterized by in-depth news coverage and a commitment to quality journalism in challenging times, including the turbulent post-9/11 environment.

A Standout Tenure at WWOR-TV (New York City)

In 1997, Anastos joined WWOR-TV (also referred to at the time as UPN 9, and now known as My9).

This period allowed him to broaden his appeal and connect with yet another segment of New York’s diverse audience.

At WWOR-TV, he reinforced his reputation as a dynamic and reliable anchor, further enriching his television resume with additional experience in different broadcast formats and time slots, and proving his adaptability in an ever-changing media environment.

A Return and Renewal at WCBS-TV

After his time at WWOR-TV, Anastos returned to WCBS-TV in 2001.

This second tenure with the station was an opportunity for him to reconnect with a loyal viewer base and reaffirm his legacy as one of New York’s preeminent news anchors.

His return was seen as a strategic move to bring his seasoned perspective back to a station known for its legacy in broadcast journalism, providing viewers with a familiar and trusted face during times of significant news events.

The Fox 5 Chapter: WNYW-TV (New York City)

In 2005, Anastos embarked on a new venture with WNYW-TV (Fox 5).

Signing what was reported as a lucrative five-year contract, he took on the role of anchoring multiple newscasts—initially the 5:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m. editions, and later the 6:00 p.m. broadcast.

His work at Fox 5 further demonstrated his versatility and sustained appeal as a news anchor.

During this period, he continued to cover landmark events, most notably providing comprehensive coverage of the 9/11 attacks and later, the evolving challenges of a changing new media landscape.

Multimedia Expansion and Entrepreneurial Ventures

Beyond his television roles, Anastos expanded his influence into radio and multimedia.

He became the host of “Positively Ernie” on WABC radio (770 AM), and later the nationally syndicated television show “Positively America.”

These ventures illustrate his ability not only as a dynamic on-air personality but also as a savvy media entrepreneur.

Additionally, his investments and ownership in AM and FM radio stations, alongside his leadership in a television production company, underscore his broader impact on American media.

Ernie Anastos has conducted numerous notable interviews throughout his illustrious career. Here are a few highlights:

• World Leaders: Anastos has interviewed several prominent figures, including Presidents Jimmy Carter, George H.W. Bush, and Bill Clinton, as well as Soviet President Mikhail Gorbachev and South African bishop Desmond Tutu.

• Fidel Castro: In 2004, he reported from Cuba and covered Fidel Castro’s revolutionary reign.

• Celebrities and Experts: On his show “Positively America,” he has interviewed a variety of personalities such as singer Marie Osmond, sports legend Bob Costas, and Extra TV host Jennifer Lahmers.

• Inspirational Figures: On his podcast “Positively Ernie,” he has featured guests like fashion designer Nicole Miller, chef Lidia Bastianich, and actor Tony Danza.

Ernie Anastos has received numerous awards throughout his distinguished career. Some of the notable ones include:

• Over 30 Emmy Awards and nominations, including the prestigious Emmy Lifetime Award.

• The Edward R. Murrow Award for excellence in writing.

• The Ellis Island Medal of Honor.

• New Yorker of the Year by the Manhattan Chamber of Commerce.

• National Father of the Year Award.

Additionally, March 21 was declared “Ernie Anastos Day” in New York City by Mayor Bill de Blasio in 2017.

Net Worth and Salary:

Ernie Anastos is a prominent American television news anchor with a substantial net worth. While exact figures can fluctuate, it’s estimated that his net worth is around $8 million.

His wealth is primarily derived from his long and successful career as a news anchor, particularly his time at WABC-TV in New York City.

As a seasoned and well-known anchor, Anastos likely commands a significant salary.

Throughout his long career in broadcasting, he has earned a substantial salary, with reports suggesting he earned upwards of $500,000 annually during his tenure at major networks.

Is Ernie Anastos Married?

Yes, Ernie Anastos is married to Kelly Anastos. They have been together for many years and have two children, Nina and Philip.

How Old Is Ernie Anastos?

Ernie Anastos was born on July 12, 1943, which makes him 82 years old as of 2025.

Where Is Ernie Anastos Working?