Beloved WABC Anchor Bill Ritter Steps Away From the Anchor Desk; Reveals Alzheimer's Diagnosis
He will remain with Eyewitness News in a new role focused on Alzheimer’s coverage and awareness, after decades as a top New York anchor.
- On Friday, longtime WABC-TV anchor Bill Ritter announced he is stepping away from daily anchoring after being diagnosed with early-stage Alzheimer's during his final 6 p.m. broadcast.
- Ritter, who lost his father to Alzheimer's in 1998, said doctors are managing his condition with treatments to keep it at bay, though he noted there is no cure yet for the disease.
- A defining presence at the station since 1998, Ritter has led the 6 p.m. broadcast since 2001, earning praise from WABC-TV General Manager Marilu Galvez for his 'exceptional insight, integrity, and, most of all- heart.'
- Although stepping away from the daily anchor desk, Ritter will remain with ABC7 to report on the 'rising tide of Alzheimer's,' covering treatment costs he described as 'simply unaffordable' for many families.
- The 76-year-old previously began paring back duties to spend more time with his growing family, expressing a wish for 'health and peace' as he enters this new chapter of advocacy and reporting.
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ABC New York's Bill Ritter reveals Alzheimer's diagnosis on air, steps down from anchoring: ‘My life has taken a turn’
Bill Ritter announced he was stepping down from anchoring duties for ABC New York and revealed on air that he has been diagnosed with Alzheimer's: 'My life has taken a turn.'
ABC New York Anchor Bill Ritter Announces Retirement Due to Alzheimer's Diagnosis
YouTube Bill Ritter is making a shocking announcement. At the end of the 6pm ET Eyewitness News broadcast on Friday (June 12), the 76-year-old ABC New York anchor announced that he is retiring and revealed that he has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. After turning 75 last year, Bill decided to “cut back at bit,” first by ending his role as the 11pm newscaster then his 5pm role. “My goal was to spend more time with my family,” Bill said. …
Longtime NYC News Anchor Reveals Why He's Leaving
Bill Ritter ended his long run behind WABC's anchor desk on Friday, effective immediately, by revealing why he's stepping away: an early-stage Alzheimer's diagnosis. The 76-year-old, who has helmed the New York station's 6pm newscast since 2001, told viewers that a series of tests confirmed the disease, adding that current...
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