SouthernWorldwide.com – Veteran New York news anchor Bill Ritter announced on Friday that he has been diagnosed with early-stage Alzheimer’s disease, marking the end of his extensive career spanning over two decades at the WABC-TV anchor desk.
Ritter, 76, who has been the anchor for the station’s 6 p.m. newscast in New York City since 2001, shared during Friday’s Eyewitness News broadcast that it would be his final night in that role.
“After a series of tests, my doctors have told me I have Alzheimer’s,” Ritter stated during the broadcast.
He elaborated, “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.”
“So, unless someone finds an amazing cure, and soon, tonight will be the last newscast I anchor,” he concluded.
According to ABC7, Ritter joined WABC-TV in 1998. His journalism career prior to that was extensive, including work at the Los Angeles Times, various local television stations in California, and positions with ABC News.
He began anchoring the station’s 11 p.m. Eyewitness News broadcast in 1999. Subsequently, he was added to the prominent 6 p.m. newscast in 2001. For several years, he also anchored the station’s 5 p.m. broadcast.
ABC7 reported that Ritter will continue his association with the station in a new capacity. This role will partially focus on reporting about Alzheimer’s disease and other neurological conditions, as well as their impact on patients and their families.
“For decades, Bill Ritter has covered and led New Yorkers through the stories that matter most,” stated WABC-TV General Manager Marilu Galvez in a released 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,” she added.
“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.”
“Bill is strong, brilliant, and resourceful, and we look forward to his continued reporting on Eyewitness News,” Galvez concluded.
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani conveyed his best wishes to the veteran broadcaster and his family, wishing them “strength in the days ahead.”
“For decades, Bill Ritter has been a trusted presence in New Yorkers’ homes, helping us make sense of the news that shape our city,” Mamdani wrote on X.
“His courage in sharing his Alzheimer’s diagnosis will help countless families facing the same challenge feel less alone,” he continued. “Wishing Bill, his loved ones, and everyone affected by Alzheimer’s strength in the days ahead.”
Ritter’s colleagues also shared their reactions to his announcement.
WABC-TV reporter Lucy Yang paid tribute to Ritter’s professionalism and dedication throughout his many years at the station.
“For decades, I’ve reported for his show and even filled in, anchored w him,” she posted on X. “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, expressed that Ritter’s influence would persist long after his departure from the anchor desk.
“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,” he added. “Love you.”
Ritter also mentioned during the broadcast that his father passed away from Alzheimer’s disease in 1998, following a prolonged battle with the illness.
