Bill Ritter, one of New York television news’ most familiar faces, has announced he is stepping down from his longtime role at ABC7 New York after being diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease.
The veteran WABC-TV anchor shared the news during Friday’s 6 p.m. edition of Eyewitness News, the broadcast he has helped lead for decades. Ritter has been a mainstay at the station since 1999, becoming a steady presence for viewers through breaking news, citywide crises, political upheaval, major weather events, and countless everyday stories across the New York area.
Bill Ritter Announces Alzheimer’s Diagnosis on ABC7 Eyewitness News
Ritter’s announcement was direct and deeply personal. Rather than letting the news come through a station memo or outside report, he chose to tell viewers himself from the anchor desk where so many New Yorkers have watched him for years.
His decision to publicly reveal an Alzheimer’s diagnosis adds him to a growing list of public figures who have spoken openly about cognitive health. For viewers, colleagues, and longtime fans of WABC-TV New York, the moment marked both a professional farewell and a human one.
Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive neurological condition that affects memory, thinking, and behavior. While every diagnosis is different, Ritter’s choice to step down underscores the seriousness of the disease and the personal adjustments it often requires.
A Longtime ABC7 New York Anchor and Trusted Voice
Ritter’s career in journalism stretches back well before his years at ABC7. A San Diego native, he began in Los Angeles, working first with the Los Angeles Times before moving further into broadcast journalism. That foundation in reporting helped shape the calm, grounded style that became his signature on New York television.
Since joining ABC7 in 1999, Ritter has anchored major newscasts and helped define the station’s identity for a generation of viewers. In a market as competitive and relentless as New York, longevity is never accidental. It requires credibility, consistency, and the ability to connect with people beyond the headlines.
That bond is why his departure is likely to hit hard for regular viewers. Local anchors often become part of a city’s daily rhythm. They are there during storms, elections, tragedies, celebrations, and quiet weekday evenings when the news simply keeps people informed.
What Bill Ritter’s Departure Means for WABC-TV
ABC7 has not just been losing an anchor; it is saying goodbye to one of the defining personalities of its newsroom. Ritter’s exit creates a major change for the station’s 6 p.m. broadcast, one of the most important time slots in local television news.
WABC-TV has long been one of the strongest local TV brands in the United States, and Eyewitness News remains a key part of the New York media landscape. While the station will continue with its deep bench of reporters and anchors, Ritter’s absence will be noticeable to viewers who have relied on his presence for more than two decades.
His announcement also served as a reminder of the emotional weight carried by local journalism. For many viewers, this was not just industry news. It was news about someone they welcomed into their homes night after night.
Where to Watch ABC7 New York and Eyewitness News
ABC7 Eyewitness News airs on WABC-TV/ABC7 New York in the United States, available through local broadcast, cable providers, and the station’s digital platforms including the ABC7NY website and app. The channel primarily serves the New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut region.
ABC7 New York is a U.S. local TV station and is not available as a standard broadcast channel in the UK or EU. However, select clips and reports may be viewable online through ABC7NY’s official site, app, or social channels, depending on location and regional access restrictions.
Tags: #BillRitter #ABC7NY #EyewitnessNews #AlzheimersAwareness #WABCTV
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