MIAMI (WSVN) — As a broadcast pioneer, Ed Ansin changed the television industry. It all started back in 1962 when his father, Sidney, bought the South Florida station then known as WCKT-TV. At that time an NBC affiliate, until nearly 30 years later, when NBC would pull the peacock from Channel 7.
Ansin knew to succeed his television station had to stand out, and to accomplish that he had to break the mold.
But it did work. WSVN-TV joined the Fox network and with a new vision, 7News blazed a new path.
And to both supporters and critics alike, one thing was undeniable, 7News was anything but boring.
WSVN-TV was highly successful. The fast-paced, visually compelling and innovative newscasts were emulated across the country.
Ansin also wanted to bring that energy to his hometown of Boston.
Ansin’s Sunbeam Television Corporation would now reach beyond the Sunshine State and into the Northeast when he purchased WHDH-TV in 1993.
WHDH was a CBS affiliate at the time, but just a few years later, he once again became a partner with the peacock … as an NBC affiliate.
It was a great partnership for more than 20 years, but the relationship would end.
WHDH lost its NBC affiliation in January of 2017. But Ansin had been through this before, and he knew necessity is the mother of invention. WHDH became an independent station. Ansin liked being beholden to no one and came up with a game plan, pouring even more resources into the news operation and airing the game show “Family Feud” in primetime. And those bold decisions paid off!
An accomplishment unmatched by any other local news station.
For Ansin, it was not just about delivering the news, but working to build a better community. Over the decades, Ansin gave generously to United Way, Habitat for Humanity, Feeding South Florida, Boys and Girls Club, and Best Buddies.
Far from a hands-off owner, Ed Ansin walked through the doors of WSVN-TV every day. He once said he didn’t look forward to that many holidays because it meant there weren’t many people for him to talk to at work.
He was a true leader, not just by title, but by example. Ansin told the Boston Globe, “I want to die with my boots on,” and that’s what he did. Ansin was in the office just this past Friday still doing what he loved. When asked previously how he wanted viewers to think of his stations, Ansin was humble but clear.
We will continue to work to make Mr. Ansin proud and continue his vision into the future.
As for his TV stations, there will be a seamless transition to the leadership of Ansin’s sons Andy and James.
Copyright 2020 Sunbeam Television Corp. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
I was saddened to hear the news of Ed’s passing.
He was an amazing man and visionary. Big loss.
My deepest condolences to the Ansin family as well as his channel 7 family ♥️
God speed Ed.
As a south Florida resident since 1971, I have watched then WCKT grow into WSVN & it has always been my #1 station. I have had the honor to meet many from 7, but never personally met Mr. Ansin. However, his name IS south Florida. His kindness, generosity & philanthropy has touched lives & businesses in so, so very many ways. I don’t believe there will be another to come close to the man Mr. Ansin was. Mr. Ed Ansin’s name & legacy of a caring humanitarian will live on for generations to come. May he rest peacefully. My thoughts & condolences to the Ansin & WSVN family.
My condolences to the Ansin family. MY God bless and keep you strong. He was a great person and did so much for South Florida. He is now with God and watching over everyone.
My condolences to the Ansin family and Channel 7 family. I am a frequent watcher of WSVN, and remembers Mr Ansin well. May he rest in peace. Good man. Cares and shares.
My condolences to the family of search a great and big hearted person. Stay close to God and he will give you comfort.
Thank You Mr. Ansin for creating such a great TV News team. I personally have been watching Channel 7 News for over 30 years. Your dedication to not only informing the community but also helping several organizations doesn’t go unnoticed. May you Rest In Peace. Truly a big loss.
Condolences to Ed’s family I work at Miramar Cultural Center and I wrote this poem in 2011 RIP Ed Ansin <3
Miramar Cultural Center & Arts Park.
It was February two thousand ten
When I first ushered at the show
'Fiddler on the Roof' at the center
Helping patrons find their designated row
School and College graduations
Ballets and Operatic productions
And country music artists in concert
Are just some of the centers attractions
The Ansin Family Art Gallery and The Alcove
Two great galleries that hold exhibits
And a banqueting hall for functions
With a botanical garden that is exquisite
This center that opened in two thousand nine
Facilitates the S.E.A.S. Program of Broward Education
Where school children can partake in theater
And enjoy learning alongside recreation.
Pauline L. Stillman.
He was a really great person. I met him in the early nineties. I was a guard at channel 7 news. True story I walked by his office he spoke . I ask him if I can ask a question and he said yes. How did you become so rich. He replied son you need to go back to work. I will never forget that
My condolences to the Ansin family. Thank you Ed for creating 7NEWS the #1 TV news station in South Florida. You did an amazing job like nobody else could’ve done. Thank you for hiring the best Journalists to your station. We will always remember your vision and the legacy will be with us forever. God bless your family and WSVN-TV.
I owe my childhood dream job and current career to my father and Mr. Ansin. While as a patient at Jackson Memorial Hospital he was still so gracious to listen to my father speaking about me and how much it would mean to me to visit the WSVN studios. I got my first job in TV and over 2 decades later I continue to working in the TV industry. Living the Dream thanks to Mr. Ansin. We will forever be grateful. Maria & Victor Morales
Sending condolences to The WSVN Leader Mr. Ansin.What a Great man community philanthropist.
I am proud to have called Mr. Ed Ansin a friend. I had the honor of taking care of the Channel 7 News Luxury Suite at the (now Hard Rock) Stadium for over 10 years. He was always the perfect host and gentleman. I enjoyed getting to know his sons James and Andy, and all the great employees of the news station and celebrities who came to the suite over the years. The Ansins really loved those Miami Dolphins too! While taking care of this great family and their friends for so long, they never made me feel like I was serving them. It was a big responsibility to take care of such important people, but no matter what, they were always humble, welcoming and fun to be around. Mr. Ansin and his sons always treated me like family, even having me attend many spectacular New Years Eve parties at their home in Miami.
What a terrible loss to our community, as this philanthropic man was generous beyond compare to so many great causes especially in South Florida. I feel so lucky to have known him…
My deepest condolences to James, Andy and Stephanie Ansin, and the entire Ansin family.
Rest Easy Mr. Ansin…
Respectfully,
Tom House
My First TV job. Working at WSVN- NBC. I was an evening and weekend Receptionist, Mr Ansin walk in with his rolled up news paper walked to the gate expecting me to let him in..of course I was new didn’t know who he was and wasn’t about to let him in.
I called back to the newsroom asking Luis P. There is gentle man here at the front saying he works here his Name is Ed Ansin can you walk up front to identify him Please!
I am not letting him in… there was a dash to the front desk.
Oh they never ever let me live that down… the biggest joke for the 5 years I stayed on that job.
What a charming man he was.
Sleep in peace Mr Ansin.
Thanks for the opportunity
My deepest condolences to the Ansin Family. Longtime watcher of Channel 7/Boston
I never had the honor to meet Ed Ansin but I will say that 7 news is the only news channel I’ve watch most of my life and he has truly made all of you at 7 news a family that really cares about everyone in South Florida, and I love each and everyone of you!!! I was very sadden when Phil Ferro was out sick and when ever my favorite ladies Diana Diaz Christine Cruz Alex de Armas the sports team and of course my favorite weather ladies Vivian Gonzalez Erika Delgado. Each and every one of you make South Florida what it is and even during this pandemic we’re in it’s so much easier to get through it with the 7 news team I LOVE ALL OF YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! May God bless everyone of you in a special way my heart goes out to you all!!! Keep up the great work that Ed Ansin has instilled in you!!!
The loss of Mr. Ed Ansin is truly affected me in the most special way. I did not have the honor of meeting him in person but because of who he was, what he represented to the community and all he did selflessly I feel that I knew him. He has changed lives, set examples, mentored so many and will live on through everything and everyone. Mr. Ansin thank you for so much and Rest In Peace.
Mr. Edmund Ansin was truly an unusual man. My first interaction with Mr. Ansin was when my mom wanted to lease a space for a restaurant in his property at 441 and 199 St in Miami Gardens. He actually came out and met with my parents and that’s where we started our family business Aunt I’s Jamaican Restaurant. That made him unusual, considering that he own 2 tv stations, vast real estate holdings and he would take the time to meet with a couple from Jamaica. As immigrants coming to a new country, we so did appreciate the help Mr. Ansin, his son Andy and all of the Sunbeam Property team, provided for us to be successful. For Mr. Ansin to take the time and then Andy following in his footsteps, throughout the 25 years that we were tenants of the plaza, to contact us and listen issues we might be having or come out to the property and speak with us, given their vast responsibilities speaks on the character of the man and the way he raised his family. He will be missed. To leave a great financial legacy is nice, but to leave a legacy of fond memories, character of fairness and helpfulness, being remembered as a good man, is even more impressive. Thank you from the Aunt I’s family. Rest in Peace.
This is a big loss to our community.while l never met mr ansin but had the opportunity to work for his ex wife taking care of her father doctor Henry Lerner who pass away 12 years ago , at the the age of 99 .the Ansin family are great to be around..Toby Lerner Ansin has impacted my life in ways that she will never imagine.
To the friends and family of Mr.Ansin, please accept my dearest sympathy. Having to lose a love one in death is never easy to deal with. However God give us comfort at Revelation 21:4 and tells us that “Death will be no more” So we can take comfort in knowing that death and all the sufferings we face now, will soon be gone.
Ed Ansin was a true Broadcast leader in so many ways, it is impossible to count them all. The effect and influence he had on our industry is a big piece of his legacy. If there is one thing that resonates with me about Ed, something that I think of when I think of Ed, is how I observed his decision making process.
Ed was not a “knee-jerk” guy…he was about gathering as much information as he could and looking at that information from all sides. While Ed gathered “data”, he then made a very considered decision on how to move forward with it. His clarity of purpose was pronounced in everything he did. Ed deserves much respect and admiration from broadcasters and “civilians” alike. God speed Mr. Ansin, thank you for leading the way!
I have met Ed several times in the past and he was such a true gentleman and a kind soul. His son James is so special. I met James several times and he always welcomed me like he knew me forever. Here is a picture of us at the winterfest Boat Parade VIP area. I will always remember this amazing man. Ed Ansin
Jeff Gold
But more importantly, he was Channel 7’s biggest cheerleader. Words of encouragement flowed freely from Bob. He wanted all employees to thrive and feel appreciated — traits that endeared him to everyone. Bob didn’t reserve his hard work and dedication to just the TV station. His impact was felt across South Florida.
My condolences to WSVN channel and to the Ansin Family
August 27th 2020 will be my 30 year anniversary with Sunbeam Television.
I can’t imagine where I would be if I had not made that career move thirty years ago.
Prior to coming here I worked for “Video Tape Associates” which was a Video Post Facility Located in Hollywood Florida.
While Working there I was involved with some of the Image Campaigns that were done
when Channel 7 changed from WCKT to WSVN in 1983.
When “Video Tape Associates” was sold in 1990 it was becoming clear that I needed to make a Change.
I have to admit that when I first came here I questioned my decision only because the
Video Post environment that I had left behind (Which is Gone Today) was considered to be a classy
High End Environment to work in. And this was very different than what I was use to.
It didn’t take long for me to realize that this was the best decision I could’ve ever made!
We all know that most (if Not All) Stations these days are big corporations
and for the most part could just be a dollar value on a Spreadsheet.
Not True a at Channel 7!
I’ve always taken great pride in telling people how great it is to work
for someone who really cares about his Company.
And being able to say Hi to Mr. Ansin as he was either entering, or leaving the station was Great.
I’m Definitely going to miss that.
So THANKYOU Mr. Ansin for giving me this great opportunity in my life.
And my condolences, and Best wishes to the Entire Ansin Family.
I am a homeowner and I need assistance with paying my FPL Bill and my Water Bill during this Pandemic my renters are not paying so I need help with the
utility payments.
I am writing this request for my landlord because he doesn’t have a computer.
Please Help. Thank You Very Much !!!
Prayers for a member of the Sunbeam Television family, it was a privilege to meet him just last year. We will miss Ed,.
I never knew Ed Ansin personally, but was good friends with his son James who is a remarkable human being. I know his father was a major influence on his life. RIP Ed. Your legacy lives on.
For my entire life, I’ve always watched and loved 7 news and it was a shock to hear about his passing this week. Ed never gave up on south Florida when it was in times of crisis. You new he would be there like a guardian angel. Rest In Peace.
My sincerely condolences to the Family and 7 channel Team, I have always watched and trust 7 channel News. Even I didn’t know Mr. Ed Ansin he did a beautiful job.
Rest in Peace Mr. Ansin.
My sincere condolences to James, Andy, Stephanie and the entire Ansin family. He was an unforgettable man and a pleasure to work for! I still remember him walking up to me 26 years ago at WSVN and saying “don’t call me Mr Ansin just call me Ed.”
Rest in Peace Ed!
My condolences to the family’s and to channel 7 workers. I know he will miss, 🙏🙏🙏♥️RIP.
I am so sorry. Ed was a wonderful man and visionary with an equally lovely family. I worked there in the 80’s. My heart goes out to them all xo
I was so sorry to hear about Mr. Ansin’s passing. It was a privilege and an honor to work for him, and I will be forever grateful for the opportunity he gave me as a young lawyer. Mr. Ansin was a champion and fierce defender of the First Amendment. His commitment and legacy in this area lives on in the many important court decisions affirming the work of Channel 7 and its broadcasts. He will be sorely missed.
What an inspiration, even from up here in Canada! Ed Ansin believed in journalism so much he put up to 10 hours of local news a day on its two local stations! He invested in innovative newsrooms, technologies, creative studios and even in a…home news music theme composer! The tabloid journalism format of WSVN was copied around America, including in Canada. We need more Television news leader like him who really believe in serving the public good and who see a station as a tool to unite people in communities. His legacy will live on.
Etienne Fortin-Gauthier, reporter, Canada
U will be missed but never forgotten
What a loss, of a kind gentle soul…. I moved from NYC into the same residence as Mr. Ansin, in 2003. We have been swimming together in our pool on the same schedule, basically, since. Despite his incredible success, he drove his own car , was humble ,softspoken , and truly kindly. He had no pretenses, was with all his faculties, and could swim rather well right up til the end! I feel blessed to have had the good fortune of spending those private moments with this giant of a man. ..I’m sure he’s swimming up there somewhere ! Miss you,sir……… Geoffrey H. Kraft