Bill Ritter Steps Down as WABC Anchor After Alzheimer’s Diagnosis
8 reported
Longtime WABC-TV/ABC7 news anchor Bill Ritter is leaving his “Eyewitness News” anchor role after being diagnosed with early stage Alzheimer’s. Ritter announced on Friday’s 6 p.m. newscast that it would be his last. He has anchored the station’s 6 p.m. broadcast since 2001. Ritter said his doctors told him he has Alzheimer’s, describing it as “early stage” and noting that treatments are keeping it at bay for now, but there is no cure. He will continue to work at WABC, focusing on health issues including Alzheimer’s and the cost of treatment and care. Ritter has been with WABC since 1998 and previously worked at the Los Angeles Times, KTTV, KCAL, and KNSD, as well as national roles on “Good Morning America Sunday” and “20/20.” He lost his father to Alzheimer’s in 1998.
What’s reported
Bill Ritter is stepping down from anchoring “Eyewitness News” after being diagnosed with early stage Alzheimer’s.
He announced his departure on Friday’s 6 p.m. newscast.
Ritter has anchored the 6 p.m. broadcast since 2001.
He said his doctors told him he has Alzheimer’s, calling it “early stage” and noting treatments are keeping it at bay, but there is no cure.
Ritter will continue at WABC, focusing on health issues including Alzheimer’s and the cost of treatment and care.
He has been with WABC since 1998; prior roles include the Los Angeles Times, KTTV, KCAL, KNSD, “Good Morning America Sunday,” and “20/20.”
He lost his father to Alzheimer’s in 1998.
WABC-TV general manager Marilu Galvez praised Ritter’s work and said he will remain part of the ABC7 family.
Key figures
Bill Ritter, WABC-TV/ABC7 news anchor
Marilu Galvez, WABC-TV general manager
Sources: Variety
