Veteran Eyewitness News anchor Bill Ritter announced his retirement from broadcasting on Friday, June 12, revealing that he has been diagnosed with early-stage Alzheimer's disease. The 76-year-old journalist delivered the news during the Eyewitness News at 6 broadcast, marking his final appearance as a news anchor.
The announcement represents the end of an era for New York television news, as Ritter has been a prominent figure in local journalism for more than two decades. His departure comes as he confronts a progressive neurological condition that has already claimed the life of his own father.
"After a series of tests, my doctors have told me I have Alzheimer's," Ritter told viewers during his final broadcast. "It's 'early stage' Alzheimer's, and they say the treatments I'm getting are keeping it at bay. For now."
While acknowledging that medical interventions are currently managing his symptoms, Ritter was candid about the uncertain trajectory of the disease. Alzheimer's is a progressive condition with no known cure, and its advancement varies significantly among patients. The diagnosis has forced the veteran journalist to make the difficult decision to step away from the anchor desk while his cognitive abilities remain largely intact.
"But there is no guarantee, because there's no cure yet for Alzheimer's," Ritter continued. "So, unless someone finds an amazing cure, and soon, tonight will be the last newscast I anchor."
The diagnosis carries particular personal significance for Ritter, whose father died with Alzheimer's disease in June 1998. That family history has given him firsthand knowledge of the devastating impact the condition can have on patients and their loved ones, making his own diagnosis all the more poignant.
In his closing remarks, Ritter reflected on his career and expressed his commitment to continuing the fight against Alzheimer's disease. His emotional sign-off emphasized the values that have defined his decades in journalism and his hopes for the community he has served.
"I am going to so miss reporting the news to you. With the truth, and with facts, no matter where they fall. It has been my honor to do that," Ritter said as he signed off for the final time as anchor. "For now, I wish you health and peace, and let's take care of each other."
WABC-TV General Manager Marilu Galvez issued a statement praising Ritter's contributions to the station and the New York community. Her remarks highlighted the qualities that have made Ritter a trusted presence in local news for so many years.
"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."
According to Galvez, Ritter will maintain a connection with the station in a new capacity. He will share updates on his personal journey with Alzheimer's disease and work to raise awareness about the condition and available resources for those affected by it. This ongoing role will allow him to continue serving the public while bringing attention to a disease that affects millions of Americans and their families.
Ritter joined WABC-TV in 1998 after establishing himself in both print and broadcast journalism. His career included positions at the Los Angeles Times, local television stations in California, and ABC News network programs. He became anchor of the station's 11 p.m. Eyewitness News broadcast in 1999, succeeding longtime anchor Bill Beutel, before taking over the 6 p.m. newscast in 2001. He also spent several years anchoring the station's 5 p.m. broadcast.
Despite stepping away from daily anchoring duties, Ritter made clear that his departure from the anchor desk does not signal the end of his public presence. The journalist announced he will remain part of the Eyewitness News team in a new reporting role focused on Alzheimer's disease and related conditions.
In this capacity, Ritter plans to cover the growing impact of the disease on patients and families, as well as the financial challenges associated with treatment and long-term care, which he described as "simply unaffordable" in many cases. This reporting will draw on his personal experience while providing valuable information to viewers who may be facing similar challenges with their own family members.
Alzheimer's disease affects an estimated 6.9 million Americans aged 65 and older, according to the Alzheimer's Association. The progressive brain disorder gradually destroys memory and cognitive function, eventually affecting the ability to carry out simple tasks. Early-stage diagnosis, as in Ritter's case, can allow patients and families to plan for the future and take advantage of available treatments that may slow the disease's progression.
Ritter's decision to publicly share his diagnosis and continue working to raise awareness represents a significant contribution to reducing the stigma often associated with Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia. His visibility and credibility as a trusted journalist may help encourage others to seek early diagnosis and treatment, while also highlighting the urgent need for continued research into treatments and a cure.
