Bill Ritter, a well-known news anchor in New York, announced his early-stage Alzheimer’s diagnosis and said goodbye to his role as lead news anchor at WABC-TV. The 76-year-old Ritter concluded nearly two decades of anchoring the main news broadcast with his Friday evening show.
During the live broadcast, Ritter revealed that after a series of tests, doctors diagnosed him with Alzheimer’s. He noted that the disease is in its early stages and that the treatments he is receiving are currently keeping the condition under control, although there is no definitive cure for Alzheimer’s.
The veteran anchor also announced that the night’s broadcast would be his final one. He stated that unless a miraculous treatment is found, that evening marked his last time anchoring the news.
A Long Tenure at WABC-TV
Bill Ritter’s history with WABC-TV dates back to the late 1990s. He joined the station in 1998, began anchoring the 11 p.m. news in 1999, and moved to the flagship 6 p.m. news in 2001. Over the years, he also anchored the 5 p.m. newscast.
The station’s management announced that Ritter will remain with WABC-TV in a different capacity, focusing on news related to Alzheimer’s and other neurological diseases, as well as the impact of these illnesses on patients and their families. Although he will step away from his daily on-air duties, he will continue to be part of the station.
WABC-TV’s leadership described Ritter as a trusted, sincere, and professional figure among viewers and colleagues. They noted that he will continue to share personal updates and contribute to raising awareness and resources for those affected by Alzheimer’s.
During the broadcast, Ritter shared that his father also passed away from Alzheimer’s in 1998. His statement highlighted both the closing chapter of his career and the familial impact of the disease.
