NYC anchor Bill Ritter signs off after Alzheimer’s diagnosis

Longtime WABC anchor Bill Ritter is stepping away from the anchor desk after being diagnosed with early-stage Alzheimer’s disease, ending a decadeslong run as one of New York’s most familiar local news anchors.

Ritter announced the diagnosis during Friday’s edition of “Eyewitness News at 6,” saying it would be his final newscast as an anchor for the ABC-owned station.

“After a series of tests, my doctors have told me I have Alzheimer’s,” Ritter said on air. “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 in 1998 following a career that included work in print journalism, including at the Los Angeles Times, local television in California and network programming at ABC News.

He became anchor of WABC’s 11 p.m. newscast in October 1999, succeeding Bill Beutel, before adding the station’s 6 p.m. newscast in February 2001. He also anchored the 5 p.m. newscast for several years.

While Ritter is retiring from daily anchoring, he said he will remain with “Eyewitness News” in a reporting role focused in part on Alzheimer’s disease and related conditions.

Ritter said the station plans to examine “the rising tide of Alzheimer’s and other similar diseases,” including the impact on patients and families, the cost of treatment and caregiving, and possible changes in how the country responds to the disease.

Marilu Galvez, general manager of WABC, said Ritter would remain part of the station.

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

Galvez said Ritter will continue to share personal updates and provide resources for people affected by Alzheimer’s.

Ritter noted that Alzheimer’s has affected his own family. His father died with the disease in June 1998, and Ritter said he has since been involved in efforts to raise awareness and support research.

During his on-air remarks, Ritter also reflected on the colleagues he worked with over his tenure at WABC, including producer Zahir Sachedina, anchor Liz Cho, meteorologist Lee Goldberg, sports anchor Ryan Field and anchor Sade Baderinwa.

Ritter said he had begun reducing his schedule after turning 75, stepping away from the 11 p.m. and 5 p.m. newscasts to spend more time with his family. He said that time has become more important after his diagnosis.

He also said he plans to continue mentoring younger journalists in the WABC newsroom.

“I’m also going to remain a journalist here at Eyewitness News, and so, you will still see me on air and online,” Ritter said.