Abc7's Bill Ritter Retires After Early Alzheimer’s Diagnosis

WHO:

Deadline - Bill Ritter is a San Diego native whose journalism career started in Los Angeles with the Los Angeles Times.

Deadline - Bill Ritter, anchor for WABC-TV New York's ABC7 Eyewitness News

Variety - Bill Ritter, longtime WABC-TV/ABC7 news anchor

NY Post - Bill Ritter, 76 years old, newsman at WABC since June 1998

WHAT:

The Guardian - Ritter stated, “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.”

The Guardian - Ritter added, “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.”

The Guardian - Ritter expressed his intention to continue reporting on Alzheimer’s disease and related issues, stating, “This station wants to dig deeper into the rising tide of Alzheimer’s, and other similar diseases – including how it’s affecting patients and their families, how the price of treatment and the price of caring for patients is simply unaffordable, and how this country might begin to change that.”

The Guardian - Nearly 7 million Americans currently live with Alzheimer’s disease, according to the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America.

Variety - Ritter stated, "After a series of tests, my doctors have told me I have early-stage Alzheimer’s."

Deadline - Bill Ritter announced he has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and is stepping down from his role.

Variety - Ritter announced during the 6 p.m. newscast that it would be his last.

NY Post - Ritter stepped away from the 11 p.m. broadcast in March 2025 after 25 years on the nightly news desk.

WHERE:

Deadline - WABC-TV New York's ABC7 Eyewitness News

Variety - WABC-TV/ABC7

WHEN:

US Magazine - Ritter announced during the Friday, June 12, broadcast of Eyewitness News at 6 that it would be his final day as a news anchor.

NY Post - Ritter stepped away from the 11 p.m. broadcast in March 2025 after 25 years on the nightly news desk.

Deadline - Ritter has been at WABC since 1999.

Variety - Ritter has anchored the station's 6 p.m. "Eyewitness News" broadcast since 2001.

NY Post - Ritter has been at WABC since June 1998.

WHY:

Variety - Ritter was diagnosed with early stage Alzheimer’s after a series of tests.

HOW:

Fox News - Ritter revealed his diagnosis during his final Eyewitness News broadcast.

Variety - Ritter announced his diagnosis and retirement during the 6 p.m. newscast.

(UPDATED June 13, 2026 19:19 UTC)

In a heartfelt message, Ritter expressed his deep appreciation for the opportunity to report the news, stating, “I am going to so miss reporting the news to all of you, with the truth and with facts, no matter where they fall.” He shared that while the treatments he is receiving are currently keeping his Alzheimer's at bay, there is no cure yet for the disease. Ritter also emphasized his commitment to continue covering Alzheimer's and related issues, highlighting the urgent need to address the rising costs of treatment and care for nearly 7 million Americans living with the condition.

(UPDATED June 13, 2026 13:21 UTC)

Ritter announced during the Friday broadcast of Eyewitness News at 6 that it would be his final day as a news anchor. This news came as a surprise to viewers who have followed his career over the years. Fans and colleagues alike are now reflecting on his contributions to journalism and the impact he has made in the community.

(UPDATED June 13, 2026 11:34 UTC)

In a heartfelt announcement during the Friday broadcast of Eyewitness News at 6, Ritter revealed that he would be stepping down as a news anchor. This marks the end of an era for the beloved journalist, who has been a familiar face in the newsroom for many years. Fans and colleagues alike are sure to miss his presence and contributions to the field.

(UPDATED June 13, 2026 06:21 UTC)

Bill Ritter, a San Diego native and a well-known journalist who began his career with the Los Angeles Times, has announced that he has been diagnosed with early-stage Alzheimer’s. He revealed this news during his final Eyewitness News broadcast, stepping away from the 11 p.m. broadcast after an impressive 25 years on the nightly news desk. Ritter's departure from the news scene took place in March 2025.

(UPDATED June 13, 2026 01:44 UTC)

Bill Ritter, the longtime anchor for WABC-TV's ABC7 Eyewitness News, has announced that he is stepping down from his role after being diagnosed with early stage Alzheimer’s. During the 6 p.m. newscast, he shared that this would be his final broadcast, marking the end of his tenure at the station, where he has been a familiar face since June 1998. Ritter previously stepped away from the 11 p.m. broadcast in March 2025, concluding a remarkable 25 years on the nightly news desk.