Veteran ABC7 Eyewitness News anchor Bill Ritter announced he is stepping down from the anchor desk after revealing an early-stage Alzheimer's diagnosis. He will continue with ABC7 in a health reporting capacity.
Bill Ritter's departure from the anchor desk marks the end of an era for ABC7 and highlights the personal impact of Alzheimer's disease on individuals and their careers. His continued work in health reporting aims to raise awareness and address critical issues surrounding the disease.
Veteran ABC7 Eyewitness News anchor Bill Ritter announced on June 12 that he is stepping down from his anchoring role after revealing an early-stage Alzheimer's disease diagnosis. The 76-year-old journalist shared the news during the evening broadcast, stating that while current treatments are helping to manage the condition, there is no cure. Ritter expressed his intention to continue working with ABC7, focusing on health-related reporting, particularly on Alzheimer's disease, its impact on patients and families, and the affordability of care. He described his partnership with producer Zahir Sachedina as one of the longest-running newscast teams, highlighting it as an example of New York's diverse melting pot. WABC-TV General Manager Marilu Galvez lauded Ritter as an "integral part" of the station, acknowledging his decades of insightful and heartfelt reporting. Ritter's career spans over four decades, including roles at Good Morning America and 20/20, and anchoring positions at WABC-TV since 1998. He previously worked in Los Angeles and San Diego, earning four Emmy Awards for investigative reporting.