Bill Ritter, the longtime anchor of WABC-TV's "Eyewitness News" in New York, has stepped down from his 6 p.m. broadcast following an early-stage Alzheimer's diagnosis. Ritter made the announcement Friday on what became his final newscast, ending a 23-year tenure at ABC7's flagship evening program that began in 2001.
The 71-year-old journalist informed viewers of his decision after undergoing medical testing that led to his diagnosis. His departure marks the end of an era for New York's dominant news operation, where Ritter became a trusted face delivering coverage of the city's major events and stories across more than two decades.
Ritter's exit represents a significant personnel shift for WABC-TV, which has long relied on its "Eyewitness News" brand to command the local news landscape in the nation's largest media market. The anchor's health decision comes as broadcast journalism continues navigating changes in viewership patterns and the rise of digital news consumption, though local evening newscasts remain important revenue drivers for major television stations.
His departure will require WABC-TV to identify a replacement for one of the market's most recognizable broadcast personalities. The station has not yet announced plans for succession at the 6 p.m. anchor desk.
Ritter's decision to publicly disclose his diagnosis reflects broader conversations within the news industry about health transparency and the physical and mental demands of live television work. His announcement prioritized viewers' right to know about changes in on-air personnel while managing his own health needs.
The New York news market will watch closely to see how ABC7 addresses the vacancy left by Ritter's departure and continues its leadership position in local news broadcasting.