Bill Ritter Steps Down Due to Alzheimer’s Diagnosis, Focuses on Disease Coverage

WABC Anchor Bill Ritter is taking a step back from his 27-year run as the face of the Eyewitness News broadcast in New York City. Ritter announced his Alzheimer’s disease diagnosis on Friday’s program, revealing he would be transitioning into a reporting role focused on covering the disease he is now battling.

During the broadcast, Ritter, known for his straightforward delivery, calmly shared the news with viewers, making it clear that unless a groundbreaking cure is found soon, he will no longer anchor the evening news. This shift marks a unique move, with Ritter becoming one of the first local anchors to turn a personal diagnosis into a public reporting focus.

Ritter’s long-standing presence in New York news, starting at WABC in 1998, has been a stable force in local broadcasting. The 74-year-old journalist has tackled investigative work and earned accolades throughout his career. His decision to continue working while confronting his diagnosis is rare but indicative of his commitment to raising awareness around Alzheimer’s disease.

The move has prompted WABC to establish a specialized unit for Ritter’s reporting, ensuring comprehensive coverage of the topic. The network recognizes the importance of highlighting a figure’s journey with such a significant neurological diagnosis in an effort to shed light on this often stigmatized issue.

As Ritter prepares for this transition, the network will fill the anchor chair temporarily, with the intention of naming a new permanent anchor down the line. The departure of such a familiar face is sure to impact viewers, who have grown accustomed to Ritter’s presence during key news events over the years. However, Ritter’s departure is not goodbye but a passing of the torch to a new phase in his career.