By Daily Mail (U.S.) | Created at 2026-06-13 00:14:24 | Updated at 2026-06-15 18:11:21
2 days ago
Veteran WABC-TV anchor Bill Ritter announced on Friday evening that he has been diagnosed with early-stage Alzheimer's disease and is stepping away from the anchor desk after nearly 30 years at the New York station.
Ritter, 76, revealed the diagnosis during Friday's edition of Eyewitness News at 6, telling viewers that the evening broadcast would be his final one as a regular anchor.
'After a series of tests, my doctors have told me I have Alzheimer's,' Ritter said during the newscast.
The longtime journalist said doctors have classified the condition as early-stage Alzheimer's and that treatment is currently helping to slow its progression.
'It's 'early stage' Alzheimer's, and they say the treatments I'm getting are keeping it at bay. For now. But there is no guarantee, because there's no cure yet for Alzheimer's,' Ritter said.
Bill Ritter announced has been diagnosed with early-stage Alzheimer's disease The veteran broadcaster said Friday's Eyewitness News at 6 would be his final broadcast as an anchor
'So, unless someone finds an amazing cure, and soon, tonight will be the last newscast I anchor.'
The announcement marks the end of a broadcasting era at WABC, where Ritter has been a fixture since joining the station in 1998.
He took over the 11pm newscast from legendary anchor Bill Beutel in 1999 and added the station's flagship 6pm broadcast in 2001, becoming one of the most recognizable faces in New York television news.
Ritter said he will remain at ABC7 in a reporting role focused on Alzheimer's disease and related conditions, while also continuing to mentor younger journalists in the newsroom.
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