Veteran New York TV Anchor Announces Retirement Following Alzheimer’s Diagnosis Bill Ritter, a longtime television news anchor in New York City, has announced his retirement after revealing he has early-stage Alzheimer’s disease. The 76-year-old veteran of ABC New York station WABC, who has anchored the station’s evening news since 2001, made the announcement during a Friday night broadcast. Ritter, who joined WABC in 1998, cited his diagnosis as the reason for stepping down from his role, though he expressed a commitment to continuing his work in raising awareness about the disease. Ritter’s career spanned decades, beginning with stints at the Los Angeles Times and local television stations in California before joining WABC in 1998. He anchored the 11pm newscast starting in 1999 and transitioned to the 6pm slot in 2001, becoming a familiar face to New York residents. His retirement announcement came as he shared his personal struggle with the progressive neurological disorder, which affects memory, thinking, and language skills. In a heartfelt statement, Ritter reflected on his career, saying, “I am going to so miss reporting the news to all of you, with the truth and with facts, no matter where they fall. It has been my honor to do just that. But for now, I wish you health and peace and let’s take care of each other.” He acknowledged the uncertainty of his condition, noting that while current treatments are keeping symptoms at bay, there is no cure. “They say the treatments I’m getting are keeping it at bay, at least for now. But there is no guarantee, because there’s no cure yet for Alzheimer’s.” Ritter also highlighted his family history with the disease, as his father had also succumbed to Alzheimer’s.#new_york_city #alzheimer_s_disease #wabc #bill_ritter #alzheimer_s_foundation_of_america
Beloved WABC Anchor Bill Ritter Steps Away from Anchoring Due to Alzheimer's Diagnosis Longtime Eyewitness News anchor Bill Ritter announced on Friday that he is stepping away from anchoring after being diagnosed with early-stage Alzheimer’s. Ritter, who has anchored the 6 p.m. newscast at WABC-TV since 2001, revealed during Friday’s broadcast that it would be his final appearance as an anchor. He shared his diagnosis during the segment, stating, “After a series of tests, my doctors have told me I have Alzheimer’s. 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.” Ritter joined WABC-TV in 1998 after a career in print journalism, including stints at the Los Angeles Times, and local television in California. He began anchoring the 11 p.m. Eyewitness News broadcast in October 1999, succeeding Bill Beutel, and added the 6 p.m. newscast in February 2001. He also anchored the 5 p.m. news for several years. Despite his diagnosis, Ritter emphasized his commitment to staying involved with the station, stating he will transition to a new role focused on covering the “rising tide of Alzheimer’s and other similar diseases.” His new work will explore how the disease affects patients and their families, the financial burden of treatment, and potential solutions for systemic change. Marilu Galvez, general manager of WABC-TV, praised Ritter’s decades of service, calling him “a defining presence at ABC7” who “has done so with exceptional insight, integrity, and, most of all—heart.#alzheimer_s #bill_ritter #wabc_tv #marilu_galvez #zahir_sachedina
