ABC7 New York anchor Bill Ritter steps down after Alzheimer's diagnosis

Veteran ABC7 New York anchor Bill Ritter announced on Friday that he is stepping down from his long-running role on Eyewitness News after being diagnosed with early-stage Alzheimer's disease.

Ritter, who has been a fixture at WABC-TV for nearly three decades, revealed the diagnosis during the station's 6 p.m. newscast and confirmed that he would leave the anchor desk effective immediately. The announcement was also detailed in a story published on the station's website under his byline.

Bill Ritter Reveals Alzheimer's Diagnosis

Addressing viewers during the broadcast, Ritter said he had been diagnosed with what doctors described as "early stage" Alzheimer's disease.

"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," Ritter said.

"Unless someone finds an amazing cure, and soon, tonight will be the last newscast I anchor," he added.

The veteran journalist said he would continue working with the station on special projects focused on Alzheimer's disease and related conditions.

Veteran Journalist Ends Daily Anchoring Career

A San Diego native, Ritter began his journalism career with the Los Angeles Times before moving into television news. He later worked at NBC's San Diego affiliate and Los Angeles station KTTV before joining WABC-TV in 1998.

He became an anchor of ABC7's 11 p.m. newscast in 1999 and took over the station's 6 p.m. broadcast in 2001.

Ritter had already started reducing his on-air responsibilities after turning 75 last year, stepping away from both the 11 p.m. and 5 p.m. newscasts while continuing to anchor the station's flagship evening programme, as per Deadline.

Family Becomes Greater Priority

Ritter told viewers that his original plan had been to spend more time with family after scaling back his workload.

"That has now become even more important, because my life has taken a turn," he said.

The broadcaster indicated that while he is leaving daily anchoring duties, he intends to remain active through reporting projects and public awareness efforts connected to Alzheimer's disease.

ABC7 Pays Tribute to Longtime Anchor

Marilu Galvez, General Manager of ABC7/WABC-TV New York, praised Ritter's contribution to local journalism and his connection with viewers.

"For decades, Bill Ritter has covered and led New Yorkers through the stories that matter most," Galvez said.

"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."

Galvez added that Ritter would remain an important part of the station while helping educate audiences about Alzheimer's disease and available support resources.