Ernie Anastos Net Worth

What was Ernie Anastos's net worth and salary?

Ernie Anastos was an American television news anchor who had a net worth of $8 million at the time of his death. Ernie died in March 2026, at the age of 82. At the peak of his career in 2005, Ernie signed a 5-year, $10 million contract with WNYW, which worked out to a salary of $2 million per year.

Known for his distinctive voice, polished on-air presence, and memorable catchphrase "Keep fighting the good fight," Ernie Anastos anchored major newscasts at several of the city's top stations, including WABC, WCBS, and WNYW. Over the course of his career, he covered some of the most significant stories affecting New York and the nation, from major political developments and natural disasters to historic local events. Anastos won numerous industry honors, including multiple Emmy Awards, and earned a reputation for professionalism and longevity in one of the most competitive media markets in the world. His steady presence on nightly broadcasts made him a familiar and trusted voice for millions of viewers across the New York metropolitan area. Beyond journalism, Anastos has also been involved in charitable and civic organizations, often lending his public profile to causes related to health, education, and community service.

Contracts & Salary

The 2005 WNYW-TV Contract

• Duration: The $10 million contract covered a period of five years.
• Role: The deal brought him over from WCBS-TV to rival station WNYW-TV (Fox 5). His first day on the air for Fox 5 was July 5, 2005. Under this contract, he was positioned as the lead anchor, originally partnering with Rosanna Scotto on the 5 p.m. and 10 p.m. newscasts.

Subsequent Contracts

• WNYW-TV (Fox 5) Renewals: Anastos signed further extensions with WNYW-TV, ultimately spending 15 years as a lead anchor for the network. He stayed at the Fox 5 anchor desk until around June 2019/2020, when he stepped down to enroll in management and leadership courses at Harvard Business School.
• Syndicated Television: In 2022, he signed on to return to television to host a syndicated weekend series dedicated to uplifting news stories.
• WABC Radio (Red Apple Media): In January 2023, Anastos signed a deal to join New York's 77 WABC radio (owned by Red Apple Media). He was brought on to host a daily segment and program titled Positively Ernie with Ernie Anastos, which focuses on sharing an uplifting perspective on the news.

Real Estate

In 2014, Ernie paid $1.98 million for a 2-acre property with a 6,000-square-foot home in Armonk, New York. Today this property is worth around $3 million.'

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Early Life and Education

Ernie Anastos was born July 12, 1943, in Nashua, New Hampshire. He grew up in a Greek-American family and was raised primarily in the Boston area. From a young age, he showed an interest in broadcasting and public speaking, which eventually led him to pursue journalism as a career.

Anastos attended Northeastern University in Boston, where he studied journalism. While in college, he began gaining experience in broadcasting and developed the communication skills that would later define his on-air style. After graduating, he began working in local television news, building a foundation that would eventually take him to the largest media market in the United States.

Early Broadcasting Career

Anastos began his professional career in regional television news during the late 1960s and early 1970s, working as a reporter and anchor in several markets, including Providence, Rhode Island. These early roles allowed him to develop experience in field reporting, investigative journalism, and live broadcasting.

During this period, he also worked in radio and television news in Boston. His work in New England helped him establish a reputation as a confident and articulate anchor, qualities that soon led to larger opportunities.

By the mid-1970s, Anastos had developed enough experience to make the transition to New York City, the most competitive television news market in the country.

Rise in New York Television News

Anastos first gained widespread attention in New York when he joined WABC-TV. The station was one of the city's most influential news outlets, and his work there helped elevate his profile among viewers.

In 1978, he moved to WCBS-TV, where he served as an anchor for several years. At WCBS, he became known for his authoritative delivery and ability to handle both breaking news and in-depth coverage. His work during this period helped solidify his reputation as one of the leading television journalists in the region.

After several years at WCBS, Anastos later returned to WABC-TV. During the 1980s, he co-anchored the station's highly rated newscasts, becoming one of the most visible news personalities in the New York market.

Throughout the decade, he covered major national and local stories, including political campaigns, crime investigations, and significant events affecting New York City.

Later Career at Fox 5 New York

In 2005, Anastos joined WNYW, the Fox-owned television station in New York, commonly known as Fox 5. He became the lead anchor of the station's evening newscasts, bringing decades of experience and credibility to the network.

At Fox 5, he anchored the nightly news for many years alongside several co-anchors, continuing to report on major developments affecting the city and the country. His long tenure helped Fox strengthen its position in the competitive New York news landscape.

Anastos remained a prominent figure on the station for nearly two decades. During his time there, he continued to win industry recognition and remained one of the most familiar faces in local television news.

He also became known for ending broadcasts with the phrase "Keep fighting the good fight," a sign-off that became closely associated with his on-air persona.

Awards and Recognition

Throughout his career, Anastos received numerous awards recognizing his contributions to broadcast journalism. He won multiple Emmy Awards for his work as a news anchor and reporter and received honors from several professional journalism organizations.

He has also been inducted into broadcasting and journalism halls of fame and has received recognition from civic organizations for his contributions to public service and community engagement.

These accolades reflect both the longevity of his career and the influence he has had on television journalism in New York.

Community Involvement and Public Life

Beyond his work in broadcasting, Anastos has been involved in many charitable and community initiatives. He has supported organizations focused on health care, education, and cultural programs, particularly those serving the New York metropolitan area.

He has also been active in organizations connected to the Greek-American community and has participated in various philanthropic events and fundraising campaigns.

Through public appearances, charity work, and media outreach, Anastos has used his platform to promote community awareness and civic engagement.

Legacy in Broadcast Journalism

Ernie Anastos is widely regarded as one of the most enduring figures in New York television news. Over a career spanning more than forty years, he became a familiar presence in millions of homes and a symbol of stability in a rapidly evolving media landscape.

His ability to remain relevant across decades of change in the television industry helped him maintain a prominent role in local journalism. By combining professionalism, experience, and a distinctive on-air personality, Anastos built a legacy as one of the most recognizable and respected anchors in New York broadcast history.

For many viewers, his nightly closing message to "keep fighting the good fight" became more than a catchphrase. It became a reflection of the optimism and resilience that defined his long career in television news.

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