Ernie is a legendary news personality spanning more than 30 years in the nation's top television market. "I love this city and all the people who make it vibrant and unique," he says with enthusiasm. In addition to anchoring the news, he's also created an inspiring weekly program that he says people have encouraged him to do.

Anastos emphasizes it's important to stay informed and report the hard news of the day, but he also believes in fostering more positive stories for balance. "We all live in a stressful environment and this show provides some needed reassurance. It spotlights stories, people, groups and organizations that are helping to make our community, our country - even our world - a far better place,” says the popular anchor.

Among the variety of guests is America's favorite medical expert, Dr. Mehmet Oz.

Each week Dr. Oz talks with Ernie about ways to improve health and lifestyle for the whole family.

The syndicated Emmy award winning Dr. Oz shares with viewers some secrets of setting goals for living better and longer. Among the topics on “Positively Ernie,” Dr. Oz underscores important tips for stress management, good communications with family and friends and the value of motivational techniques. "I applaud Ernie for his shining light on the subjects that matter most to us, but most of all, for giving us hope,” says Dr. Oz.

FEATURE HIGHLIGHTS
FOR DECEMBER

• Ernie brings life and meaning to the work of America's volunteer firefighters who climb the aerial ladder to meet successful challenges...
• How a successful career for Yankees pitcher CC Sabathia brings educational support and encouragement to kids from New York to California...
• After his tough battle with kidney problems, music mogul Nick Cannon joins a New York Walkathon and talks about how he and wife Mariah Carey are helping others...
• A high-powered executive at Microsoft leaves a top job to run a non-profit that provides thousands of books to children and schools around the world that are too poor to have reading opportunities...
• Women around the country are now learning to be more creative, independent and successful in business thanks to a woman who shares her passion to make a difference...
• Tomorrow's News Today is a special feature looking at the future with innovative ideas and new technology that will change and improve lives...

"Positively Ernie" also hits a grand slam with tennis power couple Steffi Graf and Andre Agassi. They are both devoted to improving the lives of children. Steffi heads up "Children for Tomorrow" a global foundation that helps heal children and families from the trauma of war. Andre, a high school dropout, is now giving hundreds of youngsters who have little chance of going to college an opportunity through his famed College Preparatory Academy.

Ernie takes a personal interest in issues affecting children. He has written two books focusing on young people including, "Twixt: Teens Yesterday and Today", which traces the vibrant history of the fashion, fads and lifestyle of the American teenager starting from the Roaring 20's.

Recently, Anastos authored "Ernie and the Big Newz" highlighting the adventures of a TV reporter. The fun-filled book delivers engaging news stories with positive endings. The colorful illustrations are the work of Bill Gallo, the late legendary cartoonist for the New York Daily News.

"I love children's enthusiasm and interest in current events," he says, "but they also need to know that all the news isn't bad." Ernie often speaks to hundreds of students in packed auditoriums at various schools in the New York area from Harlem to Long Island. "It can be an eye-opening experience listening to kids talk about how they view life," he observes. Anastos turns serious pointing out that children can get the wrong impression of the world when far too many negative stories grab the headlines. "They need to see that good behavior is also rewarded."

POSITIVE NEWS CAMPAIGN

Anastos recently delivered a speech on civility in the media as part of a prestigious series of talks sponsored by The Dilenschneider Group and the Carnegie Council for Ethics in International Affairs. Anchoring more than 15-thousand newscasts in his illustrious career, he cited the unfortunate daily barrage of violent and disturbing news stories that fill the air. "We can't change the unfortunate events, but we can do something to help make a difference to viewers, especially children," he emphasizes.

He feels qualified with over 30 Emmy awards and nominations, including a Lifetime Emmy for his journalistic achievements, to lead a new initiative to promote more positive news coverage. "I am respectfully asking my colleagues at local television stations everywhere to join me," he says. "We need to work even harder to exercise good editorial judgement when it comes to news stories for our daily newscasts." He stresses that in this media driven society broadcasters must take the lead by producing more high quality local programs.

Ernie speaks about his goals with deep commitment, enthusiasm and the experience of owning a group of successful radio stations in New York State and New England. Recognizing his outstanding record of accomplishments he was inducted into the New York State Broadcasters Hall of Fame.