Senate Resolution No. 1906

BY: Senator GOUNARDES

HONORING the life and legacy of Ernie Anastos, in
acknowledgment of his enduring contributions to
broadcast journalism, public service, and the
cultural enrichment of the State of New York

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and
honor individuals whose dedication to journalism, public service, and
community enrichment have profoundly shaped the civic and cultural life
of the State of New York; and

WHEREAS, Ernie Anastos was a distinguished Emmy Award-winning
television news anchor, talk show host, children's author, and media
entrepreneur whose career spanning five decades made him one of the most
recognized and trusted voices in New York broadcasting; and

WHEREAS, Born in Nashua, New Hampshire, on July 12, 1943, Ernie
Anastos earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Northeastern University
and completed advanced studies at Harvard Business School, laying the
foundation for a career defined by intellectual curiosity,
professionalism, and an unwavering commitment to journalistic
excellence; and

WHEREAS, After beginning his broadcasting career in Boston radio and
television in Providence, Rhode Island, Ernie Anastos joined WABC-TV in
New York City in 1978, and over the course of his remarkable career
anchored the evening news at four flagship network stations, earning the
distinction from The New York Times as "the ubiquitous anchorman"; and

WHEREAS, Throughout his career, Ernie Anastos demonstrated
extraordinary journalistic courage and dedication, covering some of the
most consequential events of our time, including the September 11, 2001,
attacks on the World Trade Center and the COVID-19 pandemic, providing
steady, trusted reporting to millions of New Yorkers during their hours
of greatest need; and

WHEREAS, Ernie Anastos brought the world into the homes of New
Yorkers through his distinguished interviews with United States
Presidents Jimmy Carter, George H. W. Bush, and Bill Clinton, Soviet
President Mikhail Gorbachev, and South African Bishop Desmond Tutu, and
through his reporting from Cuba under Fidel Castro; and

WHEREAS, A Hall of Fame Broadcaster, Ernie Anastos received more
than 30 Emmy Awards and nominations, including recognition for Best
Newscast in New York and the Edward R. Murrow Award for broadcast
excellence, as well as honorary doctorate degrees from Marist College,
Sacred Heart University, New York Institute of Technology, and
Manhattanville College; and

WHEREAS, Beyond the anchor desk, Ernie Anastos devoted himself to
uplifting his community through his nationally syndicated television
show Positively America, his talk show Positively Ernie on WABC Radio,
his authorship of career and educational books for young readers, and

his launch of an Internet youth channel, reflecting his deep belief in
the power of positive storytelling; and

WHEREAS, Ernie Anastos was further distinguished as the first
Greek-American television news anchor in the United States, a proud
heritage rooted in his family's history, and was honored with the Ellis
Island Medal of Honor, the New Yorker of the Year Award from the
Manhattan Chamber of Commerce, and a National Father of the Year Award;
and

WHEREAS, In recognition of his extraordinary contributions, New York
City Mayor Bill de Blasio designated March 21 as Ernie Anastos Day in
2017, a testament to the profound impact he made upon the City and State
of New York; and

WHEREAS, Ernie Anastos died on Thursday, March 12, 2026, at the age
of 82, leaving behind a legacy of journalistic integrity, civic
generosity, and an enduring commitment to the betterment of the
communities he served; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor the life and legacy of Ernie Anastos, in acknowledgment of his
enduring contributions to broadcast journalism, public service, and the
cultural enrichment of the State of New York; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the family of Ernie Anastos as a testament to the lasting
impact of his life and work upon the State of New York and beyond.