Ernie Anastos was an American television news anchor who had an estimated net worth of $8 million at the time of his death. The veteran broadcaster passed away in March 2026 at the age of 82.
At the height of his career in 2005, Anastos signed a five-year, $10 million contract with WNYW-TV (Fox 5 New York). The deal paid him roughly $2 million per year, making him one of the highest-paid local news anchors in the New York City television market.
Known for his distinctive voice and polished on-air delivery, Anastos became a familiar presence on nightly broadcasts across New York. He was also widely recognized for ending his broadcasts with the memorable sign-off, “Keep fighting the good fight.”
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Ernie Anastos Net Worth |
$8 Million |
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Date of Birth |
July 12, 1943 |
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Place of Birth |
Nashua, New Hampshire |
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Nationality |
American |
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Profession |
News Anchor |
Early Life
Ernie Anastos was born on July 12, 1943, in Nashua, New Hampshire. He was raised in a Greek-American family and spent much of his childhood in the Boston area.
He later attended Northeastern University in Boston, where he studied journalism. During his college years, he began gaining early experience in broadcasting and developed the communication skills that would define his career as a television anchor.
Ernie Anastos Contracts and Salary
The 2005 Fox 5 Contract
In 2005, Anastos left WCBS-TV to join rival station WNYW-TV, commonly known as Fox 5.
Key details of the contract included:
- Total value: $10 million
- Length: Five years
- Annual salary: About $2 million
He made his debut at Fox 5 on July 5, 2005, serving as the lead anchor and originally co-anchoring the 5 p.m. and 10 p.m. newscasts with Rosanna Scotto.
Later Media Roles
Anastos later signed several contract extensions with Fox 5, remaining a lead anchor for about 15 years. He continued working at the station until around 2019–2020, when he stepped away to pursue management and leadership courses at Harvard Business School.
His later media work included:
- 2022: Hosting a syndicated weekend television series focused on positive news stories.
- 2023: Joining WABC Radio, owned by Red Apple Media, where he hosted a segment called “Positively Ernie with Ernie Anastos.”
Real Estate
In 2014, Anastos purchased a two-acre property in Armonk, New York for about $1.98 million. The property includes a 6,000-square-foot home, and its value has since risen to an estimated $3 million.
Early Broadcasting Career
Anastos began working in television news in the late 1960s and early 1970s, holding reporter and anchor positions in several regional markets.
Early in his career he worked in Providence, Rhode Island, where he gained experience in field reporting, investigative journalism, and live broadcasting. He also worked in both radio and television news in the Boston area before eventually moving to the country’s largest media market.
By the mid-1970s, his growing reputation helped him secure a move to New York City, one of the most competitive television news environments in the United States.
Rise in New York Television
Anastos first gained widespread recognition after joining WABC-TV, one of New York’s leading television stations.
In 1978, he moved to WCBS-TV, where he served as a news anchor for several years. His authoritative delivery and ability to handle both breaking news and in-depth reporting quickly made him a trusted voice for viewers.
During the 1980s, he returned to WABC-TV, where he co-anchored highly rated newscasts and covered major stories affecting New York City and the nation.
Career at Fox 5 New York
In 2005, Anastos joined WNYW-TV (Fox 5 New York) as the lead anchor of its evening newscasts.
For nearly two decades, he reported on major local and national developments while helping strengthen the station’s presence in the competitive New York news market. His steady presence and recognizable sign-off phrase made him one of the most familiar figures in local television journalism.
Awards and Recognition
Throughout his career, Anastos received numerous honors for his contributions to broadcast journalism.
He won multiple Emmy Awards and received recognition from various professional journalism organizations. He was also inducted into several broadcasting halls of fame and honored by civic groups for his work in public service.
Community Involvement
Beyond his journalism career, Anastos was actively involved in charitable and civic initiatives. He supported organizations focused on health care, education, and community development, particularly in the New York metropolitan area.
He also participated in philanthropic events within the Greek-American community, using his public profile to promote awareness and fundraising efforts.
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