WABC-TV Anchor Bill Ritter Steps Down After Early-Stage Alzheimer's Diagnosis

M. Eyewitness News broadcast on WABC-TV on June 12, 2026, after disclosing an early-stage Alzheimer's diagnosis. Ritter, 76, told viewers that doctors had confirmed the condition following a series of tests.

He said treatments were keeping the disease at bay for now, but added there is no guarantee because no cure exists. "So, unless someone finds an amazing cure, and soon, tonight will be the last newscast I anchor," Ritter said during the broadcast. Ritter joined WABC-TV in June 1998 after earlier work at the Los Angeles Times, California television stations, and ABC News.

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Ritter said he plans to continue reporting as often as he can and to help others affected by Alzheimer's. He noted that his father died from the disease in 1998 after years of illness. "This station wants to dig deeper into the rising tide of Alzheimer's and other similar diseases -- including how it's affecting patients and their families, how the price of treatment and the price of caring for patients is simply unaffordable and how this country might begin to change that," Ritter said.

WABC-TV General Manager Marilu Galvez said Ritter will remain with the station in a new role focused in part on reporting about Alzheimer's disease and other neurological conditions. She said he will continue to be an integral part of the ABC7 family, including sharing personal updates and providing resources to help others impacted by the disease.

"Bill is strong, brilliant, and resourceful, and we look forward to his continued reporting on Eyewitness News," Galvez said.

Ritter said he is going to miss reporting the news with the truth and with facts, no matter where they fall. He added that spending more time with his family has become even more important because his life has taken a turn, noting that he has a grandson on the way.