Bill Ritter, a longtime news anchor at WABC-TV/ABC7, has announced his departure from the “Eyewitness News” anchor chair following a diagnosis of early-stage Alzheimer’s. He shared this news during Friday’s 6 p.m. newscast, marking it as his last after anchoring the 6 p.m. broadcast since 2001.
“My doctors have informed me that I have Alzheimer’s,” Ritter revealed in the newscast, as reported by WABC. “It’s early-stage, and while the treatments are currently effective, there are no guarantees as there is no cure yet. So, unless a breakthrough happens soon, tonight will be my final newscast.”
Despite stepping down from anchoring, Ritter will remain at WABC/Eyewitness News, shifting his focus to health issues. He plans to cover the increasing impact of Alzheimer’s and similar diseases, examining the toll on patients and their families, the prohibitive costs of treatment and care, and potential solutions for these challenges.
Ritter’s career at WABC began in 1998 after stints at the Los Angeles Times and several L.A. television stations, including KTTV and KCAL, as well as KNSD in San Diego. He later worked on national programs such as “Good Morning America Sunday” and “20/20.”
In 1999, Ritter became the co-anchor for “Eyewitness News” at 11 p.m. and took on the 6 p.m. slot in 2001. He also anchored the 5 p.m. newscast for a while before leaving the 11 p.m. position last year.
Upon revealing his diagnosis, Ritter mentioned his personal connection to Alzheimer’s, having lost his father to the disease in 1998.
“For decades, Bill Ritter has been a guiding presence for New Yorkers, leading them through essential stories,” said Marilu Galvez, WABC-TV’s general manager. “He is a defining figure at ABC7, known for his insight, integrity, and heart, earning admiration from viewers and colleagues. While he steps back from daily anchoring, his involvement with ABC7 continues, sharing personal updates and providing resources for those affected by Alzheimer’s. Bill’s strength and resourcefulness ensure his continued contribution to Eyewitness News.”
Here is Ritter’s full farewell statement, via WABC:
Last year, I turned 75 and decided it was time to reduce my workload. I stopped anchoring the 11 o’clock news and later the 5 o’clock news to spend more time with my family. A year ago, I became a grandfather thanks to my oldest daughter, and later this summer, my son will give me a second grandchild. With my youngest daughter graduating high school next year, family time has become even more crucial as my life has changed.
After undergoing several tests, my doctors diagnosed me with early-stage Alzheimer’s. Although current treatments are effective, there’s no guarantee as there’s still no cure. Unless a cure is found soon, tonight (Friday) will be the last newscast I anchor.
It is difficult to say this to our viewers and my colleagues, including Zahir Sachedina, my producer and friend for 25 and a half years. Together, as a Muslim producer and a Jewish anchor, we’ve formed one of the longest-running behind-the-scenes teams, reflecting New York and the Tri-State’s melting pot, and hopefully, the country’s as well.
For 23 years, I have worked alongside my remarkable partner and friend Liz Cho, forming the longest-running on-air team in Channel 7’s history. And for 20 years, I’ve shared Eyewitness News records with Lee Goldberg, the country’s best meteorologist and a great friend.
Our talented sports anchor, Ryan Field, makes me laugh daily and enjoys teasing me. I’ve also worked with Sade Baderinwa for 14 years on the 11 o’clock news and later the 5 o’clock news, forming the longest-running 11 o’clock team on Eyewitness News.
I want to thank my bosses at WABC for their compassion, humanity, and love towards me and my family.
My family says I’m brave, but it’s really them and my wife Kathleen who show bravery.
What’s next for me? I’ll continue working here at ABC 7, helping younger journalists at Eyewitness News. At 76, I’m older than everyone in the newsroom.
I’ll remain a journalist here, appearing on air and online. This station is committed to exploring the rising impact of Alzheimer’s and similar diseases, their effects on patients and families, and the financial burdens of treatment and care, along with potential solutions.
Having lost my father to the disease in June 1998, I’m not a stranger to Alzheimer’s and have been active in fighting it. I’ll continue this fight alongside Mike Marza, who took my place on Eyewitness News at 5 and 11 last year. His grandfather also succumbed to this disease, and we’ve co-hosted numerous Alzheimer’s awareness events.
I will deeply miss reporting the news to you with truth and facts, regardless of where they fall. It’s been an honor to do so. I wish you health and peace, and let’s take care of each other.
