Veteran ABC7 anchor Bill Ritter announces retirement after early Alzheimer’s diagnosis

Bill Ritter, the longtime American news anchor, announced live on Friday that he is stepping down from anchoring newscasts after being diagnosed with early-stage Alzheimer’s disease. Ritter, 76, delivered the news during the Friday edition of ABC7’s Eyewitness News in New York, telling viewers, “I want to share with you a very personal message.”

He said he had gradually cut back his workload in recent years to spend more time with his family, but added that this had become even more important after “my life took a turn.” After a series of medical tests, doctors told him he has early Alzheimer’s. Ritter said, “The doctors say the treatments I’m receiving are succeeding in slowing it down, at least for now. But there is no guarantee here, because there is still no cure for Alzheimer’s.” He also said that unless a cure is found soon, Friday night’s broadcast would be the last one he anchors.

Ritter said it was not easy to share the decision with viewers and colleagues. He also spoke about the effect of the illness on his family, saying his children call him brave, but “they are the brave ones, and so is my wife, Kathleen.”

Although he is leaving the main anchor desk, Ritter said he will remain with ABC7, mentoring younger journalists and continuing to work on air and on digital platforms. He said the station plans to expand its coverage of Alzheimer’s and its impact on patients and families. Ritter also noted that his father died of the disease in 1998 and said he has long been involved in public efforts to raise awareness and support research. He closed by saying he will miss delivering the news “with the truth and the facts,” and wished viewers health, peace, and mutual care. Ritter began his career at California television stations and joined ABC in 1993, later becoming one of the most recognizable anchors on ABC7 in New York.