WABC-TV’s Bill Ritter Departs ‘Eyewitness News’ Anchor Job After Being Diagnosed With Early Stage Alzheimer’s

Bill Ritter is stepping down as anchor of WABC-TV's "Eyewitness News" 6 p.m. broadcast on Friday, March 15, 2024, following a diagnosis of early-stage Alzheimer's disease. Ritter, who has held the anchor position since 2001, announced his departure during the newscast, stating that his doctors confirmed the diagnosis after a series of tests. His tenure at WABC-TV spans over two decades, making him a familiar face to viewers in the New York metropolitan area. The station has not yet announced a replacement for the 6 p.m. anchor desk. Ritter's career in broadcast journalism began prior to his long-standing role at WABC-TV, where he became a prominent figure in local news coverage. His announcement marks a significant change for the station's evening news program, which has been consistently led by Ritter for 23 years.