Summary (tl;dr)

Veteran WABC "Eyewitness News" anchor Bill Ritter, 76, has announced his retirement from the anchor desk after revealing he has been diagnosed with early-stage Alzheimer's disease, though he will continue reporting for the station on issues related to the illness.

Essential Background

Bill Ritter has been a prominent figure in broadcast journalism for decades, joining WABC-TV in New York City in 1998. Over his more than 20-year tenure at the station, he has anchored various newscasts, including the 6 p.m. and 11 p.m. editions of "Eyewitness News," and has been recognized with multiple Emmy Awards for his work. Prior to WABC-TV, Ritter had a distinguished career in print journalism with the Los Angeles Times and worked on ABC Network news programs, including "Good Morning America/Sunday."

The Full Story

On Friday, June 12, 2026, during the 6 p.m. broadcast, Bill Ritter emotionally announced that he was stepping down from his role as news anchor, informing viewers that he had been diagnosed with early-stage Alzheimer's disease. He clarified that while current treatments are helping to keep the disease at bay, there is no guarantee due to the lack of a cure. Ritter stated that this broadcast would be his last as an anchor. However, he affirmed his commitment to remaining with "Eyewitness News" in a new capacity, focusing on reporting about the "rising tide of Alzheimer's and other similar diseases," including their impact on patients and families, and the financial burden of care. Ritter also shared that his own father passed away from Alzheimer's disease in 1998.

Why It Matters

This news is trending as it marks the departure of a beloved and long-serving journalist from his daily anchoring duties, prompting an outpouring of support from viewers and colleagues. Ritter's public disclosure of his Alzheimer's diagnosis brings significant attention to the disease, raising awareness about its early stages, the importance of treatment, and the ongoing need for a cure. His decision to continue reporting on Alzheimer's in a new role underscores his dedication to public service and will provide a personal perspective on a condition that affects millions of people globally, stimulating discussions around healthcare affordability and patient care. The trending keywords related to his age reflect public interest in the personal details surrounding his diagnosis.

Geographic Location

• New York City, New York, United States (Bill Ritter's announcement and final broadcast as anchor for WABC-TV's "Eyewitness News")