Veteran WABC-TV anchor Bill Ritter, 76, told New York viewers on June 12 that doctors diagnosed him with early-stage Alzheimer’s after a series of tests. He said he would be done anchoring “unless someone finds an amazing cure, and really soon,” while committi
On the June 12 newscast, Bill Ritter didn’t start with weather or headlines—he started with his own body, and what the tests had found.
The WABC-TV veteran journalist, 76, told New Yorkers that doctors diagnosed him with early-stage Alzheimer’s after a series of tests. He said the treatments he is receiving are keeping the disease at bay “at least for now. ” but he warned viewers there was no certainty ahead because there is still no cure for Alzheimer’s.
“Unless someone finds an amazing cure, and really soon, tonight will be the last newscast I anchor,” Ritter said during what he described as his final broadcast in that role.
Even as he prepared to step back from the anchor desk, he made clear he is not leaving WABC. Ritter said he would take on a new position mentoring up-and-coming journalists while continuing to cover Alzheimer’s. He also framed the shift as part of the station’s push to examine the growing impact of Alzheimer’s and other similar diseases.
“I’m also going to remain a journalist here at Eyewitness News, and so you will still see me on air and online,” he explained. “This station wants to dig deeper into the rising tide of Alzheimer’s and other similar diseases.”
For Ritter, the disease was not new territory. He said his new coverage focus has been personal long before his own diagnosis, recounting his father’s illness and death 28 years ago—Ritter said his father died with Alzheimer’s in June 1998. “I’m not a stranger to this disease,” he said.
He described his ongoing involvement in efforts to stop Alzheimer’s since then and said he plans to spend more time with his family, describing the change as something that has made his life feel different—“because my life has taken a turn.”
Ritter has three children: Mia and son Owen. whom he shares with ex-wife Janny Scott. and daughter Ella. whom he has with his wife Kathleen. whom he married in 2008. He said his children told him. “Dad. you’re being so brave in all this. ” and Ritter responded. “But no – it’s not me. it’s them who are being brave. As is my wife Kathleen.”.
He also used the closing moments to address viewers directly. saying he was “going to so miss reporting the news to all of you.” Ritter thanked Eyewitness News viewers and expressed gratitude to the station for its support during the transition. and for what he described as the compassion he has been shown.
“With the truth, and with facts, no matter where they fall. It has been my honor to do just that. For now, I wish you health and peace, and let’s take care of each other,” he said.
The picture he painted on air was shaped by two realities that can’t be reconciled by optimism alone: treatments can hold Alzheimer’s at bay for now. but the lack of a cure leaves his timeline uncertain—turning a television goodbye into something more like an open-ended commitment to keep fighting. even as his anchor role changes.
Bill Ritter WABC-TV Alzheimer’s diagnosis early-stage Alzheimer’s Eyewitness News New York news TV anchor healthcare media careers