Beloved New York Anchor Makes Heartbreaking Announcement After Decades Behind the Desk

Liberty Check

• Veteran New York news anchor Bill Ritter revealed his early-stage Alzheimer’s diagnosis during his final broadcast after more than two decades at the desk
• Ritter’s father also died from Alzheimer’s in 1998, making the diagnosis a devastating family legacy
• Despite stepping down from daily anchoring, Ritter will continue reporting on Alzheimer’s and neurological conditions to help others affected by the disease

Bill Ritter, a veteran New York news anchor with over two decades behind the WABC-TV desk, made an emotional announcement Friday that brought an end to his distinguished career. The 76-year-old journalist revealed he has been diagnosed with early-stage Alzheimer’s disease during what would be his final Eyewitness News broadcast.

Ritter, who has anchored the station’s 6 p.m. newscast in New York City since 2001, shared the heartbreaking news with viewers who have come to trust him as a steady presence in their homes.

“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.”

The diagnosis carries particular weight for Ritter, whose father died from Alzheimer’s disease in 1998 after battling the illness for years. The family legacy makes this announcement all the more poignant for the longtime journalist.

Ritter’s career in journalism spans decades and includes work at the Los Angeles Times, local television stations in California, and positions with ABC News. He joined WABC-TV in 1998 and began anchoring the station’s 11 p.m. Eyewitness News broadcast in 1999 before being added to the flagship 6 p.m. newscast in 2001. He also anchored the station’s 5 p.m. broadcast for several years.

While stepping away from daily anchoring duties, Ritter will remain with the station in a new role. His focus will include reporting about Alzheimer’s disease and other neurological conditions, as well as their impact on patients and families—a mission deeply personal to him.

“For decades, Bill Ritter has covered and led New Yorkers through the stories that matter most.”

“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.”

“Bill is strong, brilliant, and resourceful, and we look forward to his continued reporting on Eyewitness News.”

Ritter’s decision to publicly share his diagnosis and continue working to raise awareness about Alzheimer’s demonstrates the courage and dedication that has defined his career. His willingness to turn a personal struggle into an opportunity to help others reflects the values that made him a trusted voice in American journalism.

Americans deserve better—and better treatments for devastating diseases like Alzheimer’s.