Emmy Award-winning television news anchor Ernie Anastos has died from pneumonia aged 82.
The 77WABC host died on January 12 at Northern Westchester Hospital, his wife Kelly Anastos confirmed.
During his five-decade career, Anastos anchored the evening news at UPN 9, ABC 7, CBS 2 and FOX 5 in New York.
He received more than 30 Emmy awards and nominations, including Best Newscast in New York.
Anastos began his broadcasting journey in Boston radio during the mid-1970s before pivoting to television.
He became a household name in 1978 when he landed a role as an anchor for Eyewitness News at 11pm on WABC, before moving to the 5pm bulletin.
Over the course of his career, Anastos reported on major events including 9/11 and the coronavirus pandemic.
In 2024, he was inducted into the New York State Broadcasters Association Hall of Fame.
News anchor Ernie Anastos has died from pneumonia aged 82 on March 12, his wife confirmed
The 77WABC host began his career in Boston in the 70s (pictured at ABC 7 Eyewitness News)
More recently, Anastos hosted and created Positively Ernie: The Podcast, a nationally syndicated TV show which heard him unpack big news stories of the day but with a positive spin.
In Anastos's final Instagram post was a video in which he called for the truth to be 'protected.'
'The subject is truth and that's what people are looking for,' he said.
'It's not easy these days, there are so many different platforms that people can watch the news on and people wonder, is it news or views.'
He went on to add: 'I really just want to mention the fact that truth is so important in life.'
'It gives us a sense of order and decency, and we need truth for our relationships with our family with our friends in the workplace, certainly in the political world.'
Anastos concluded his video by imploring his viewers to 'stand up for truth' and 'live it on a daily basis.'
Tributes have been pouring in since news of Anastos's death with many sharing their heartfelt condolences.
Anastos received more than 30 Emmy awards and nominations throughout his career
The anchor reported on major events including 9/11 and the coronavirus pandemic
One wrote: 'Thank you for ALL of you Ernie!! You were a big part of my childhood. You always spoke and reported the TRUTH.
'Sending love and prayers to your family. Rest in peace sir.'
Another penned: 'RIP Ernie. Your infectious smile will be missed. Thank you for sharing your bright light with us all these years.'
'RIP Ernie... It was a pleasure growing up watching you give us the news,' added a third. 'One of the best!'