WABC-TV Anchor Bill Ritter Leaves Newscast Job Due to Alzheimer's
Variety • • entertainment
Key Points:
- Bill Ritter, longtime WABC-TV/ABC7 news anchor, is stepping down from anchoring the “Eyewitness News” 6 p.m. broadcast after being diagnosed with early-stage Alzheimer’s disease.
- Ritter has anchored WABC’s 6 p.m. newscast since 2001 and will continue to work at the station focusing on health issues, particularly Alzheimer’s and related diseases.
- He revealed his diagnosis on-air, emphasizing the challenges of the disease and the lack of a cure, while expressing his commitment to raising awareness about the impact and costs of Alzheimer’s care.
- Ritter has been with WABC since 1998 and has a long career in journalism, including roles at major Los Angeles stations and national programs like “Good Morning America Sunday” and “20/20.”
- WABC-TV praised Ritter for his integrity and dedication, and he plans to remain involved in journalism and Alzheimer’s advocacy despite stepping down from daily anchoring.