Story perspectives

Anchor Bill Ritter Exits 6 PM Newscast After Alzheimer’s Diagnosis

6/13/2026

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Summary

Ritter Leaves

U.S. anchor Bill Ritter (WABC-TV New York) announced he will leave the 6 p.m. newscast after an early-stage Alzheimer’s diagnosis.
Ritter has been at WABC-TV since 1998 and anchored the 6 p.m. broadcast continuously from 2001.
After turning 75 last year, he stepped down from the 11 p.m. and later the 5 p.m. newscasts.
Ritter said treatments keep the disease at bay for now, but he will still produce special Alzheimer’s projects for Eyewitness News.
ABC7/WABC-TV New York GM Marilu Galvez called Ritter strong, brilliant and resourceful, and said she looks forward to his reporting.

Summary

Ritter Mentors

Ritter emphasized his 25½-year collaboration with producer Zahir Sachedina, describing it as the longest-running anchor-producer partnership in New York news history.
He highlighted a 23-year on-air pairing with co-anchor Liz Cho, noting it as Channel 7’s longest-standing anchor duo.
Ritter announced he will mentor younger journalists at ABC 7, continuing to appear on-air and online while shifting to a reporting role.
He mentioned working alongside longtime meteorologist Lee Goldberg and sports anchor Ryan Field, underscoring the station’s long-term team stability.
Ritter referenced his joint Alzheimer’s-awareness events with colleague Mike Marza, reflecting ongoing advocacy beyond his anchoring duties.

Summary

Ritter Warns

Ritter warned that Alzheimer's medication and patient care costs are often unaffordable for families.
Ritter announced plans to share updates and compile resources to help others understand Alzheimer's disease and assistance.
Ritter reported for KCAL-TV in 1992 and KTTV-TV from 1990-1991, earning four Emmys for investigative work at KNSD-TV that recognized a 1989 stock scandal and a 1987 Sea World safety probe.
Ritter noted a grandson is on the way.

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Ritter Leaves

U.S. anchor Bill Ritter (WABC-TV New York) announced he will leave the 6 p.m. newscast after an early-stage Alzheimer’s diagnosis.
Ritter has been at WABC-TV since 1998 and anchored the 6 p.m. broadcast continuously from 2001.
After turning 75 last year, he stepped down from the 11 p.m. and later the 5 p.m. newscasts.
Ritter said treatments keep the disease at bay for now, but he will still produce special Alzheimer’s projects for Eyewitness News.
ABC7/WABC-TV New York GM Marilu Galvez called Ritter strong, brilliant and resourceful, and said she looks forward to his reporting.

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