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Bill No.: Summary Actions Committee&nbspVotes Floor&nbspVotes Memo Text LFIN Chamber&nbspVideo/Transcript J01906 Summary: BILL NO J01906 &nbsp SAME AS No Same As &nbsp SPONSOR GOUNARDES &nbsp COSPNSR MAYER &nbsp MLTSPNSR &nbsp

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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.

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