Veteran New York news anchor Bill Ritter announced Friday that he has been diagnosed with early-stage Alzheimer's disease, marking the end of his more than two-decade tenure at the WABC-TV anchor desk.
Ritter, 76, revealed during Friday's Eyewitness News broadcast that it would be his final night anchoring the 6 p.m. program, a role he has held since 2001. "After a series of tests, my doctors have told me I have Alzheimer's," Ritter stated during the broadcast. "It's early-stage Alzheimer's, and they say the treatments I'm getting are keeping it at bay, for now. But there is no guarantee, because there's no cure yet for Alzheimer's."
He added, "So, unless someone finds an amazing cure, and soon, tonight will be the last newscast I anchor."
Ritter joined WABC-TV in 1998 after an extensive journalism career that included work at the Los Angeles Times, local television stations in California, and positions with ABC News. He began anchoring the station's 11 p.m. Eyewitness News broadcast in 1999 before joining the flagship 6 p.m. newscast in 2001. He also anchored the station's 5 p.m. broadcast for several years.
According to ABC7, Ritter will remain with the station in a new capacity, focusing in part on reporting about Alzheimer's disease and other neurological conditions, and their impact on patients and families.
"For decades, Bill Ritter has covered and led New Yorkers through the stories that matter most," WABC-TV General Manager Marilu Galvez said in a statement. "A defining presence at ABC7, he has done so with exceptional insight, integrity and, most of all, heart, earning the love and respect of viewers and colleagues alike. While he is stepping away from daily anchoring, he will continue to be an integral part of our ABC7 family, including sharing personal updates and providing resources to help others impacted by Alzheimer's better understand the disease and the resources available to them." Galvez added, "Bill is strong, brilliant, and resourceful, and we look forward to his continued reporting on Eyewitness News."
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani expressed his well wishes, stating on X, "For decades, Bill Ritter has been a trusted presence in New Yorkers' homes, helping us make sense of the news that shape our city. His courage in sharing his Alzheimer’s diagnosis will help countless families facing the same challenge feel less alone. Wishing Bill, his loved ones, and everyone affected by Alzheimer's strength in the days ahead."
Colleagues also shared their reactions. WABC-TV reporter Lucy Yang paid tribute to Ritter's professionalism, posting on X, "For decades, I’ve reported for his show and even filled in, anchored w him. He never gave less than 110% I salute you. I thank you. And I will pray for you."
Lee Goldberg, the station's chief meteorologist, said Ritter's influence would extend beyond his anchoring duties. "He preaches be kind, take care of each other, & we're all in this together," Goldberg said on X. "Now, in addition to doing these things for himself & his loving family, he'll build on his legendary legacy by helping millions who share his battle. You're a saint, and my hero @billritter7. Love you."
Ritter also shared that his father died of Alzheimer's disease in 1998 after battling the illness for years.