WABC news anchor Bill Ritter reveals Alzheimer's diagnosis, steps down from 6 p.m. anchor desk.

Bill Ritter, WABC News Anchor

Famed WABC-TV news anchor Bill Ritter announced Friday that he is stepping away from anchor duties after being diagnosed with early-stage Alzheimer's disease. Ritter is 76.

Ritter has anchored WABC's 6 p.m. newscast in New York City since 2001. During Friday's Eyewitness News broadcast, he shared the news directly with viewers.

"After a series of tests, my doctors have told me I have Alzheimer's," Ritter said. "It's 'early stage' Alzheimer's, and they say the treatments I'm getting are keeping it at bay. For now. But there is no guarantee, because there's no cure yet for Alzheimer's. So, unless someone finds an amazing cure, and soon, tonight will be the last newscast I anchor."

My name is Daniel Hosea. I worked with Bill Ritter during my time at WABC as a WGA news writer. I occasionally stepped in to produce the 6 p.m. and 11 p.m. newscasts, which he anchored.

Bill was always kind, patient, and eager to share his knowledge with younger producers and writers. Whether covering historic moments or routine daily news, he brought a calm presence to the newsroom.

I worked with Bill the evening Osama bin Laden was killed. I worked with Bill during the Sandy Hook school shooting. I worked with Bill during Superstorm Sandy.

No matter how intense the breaking news environment became, Bill remained steady.

My own family has been touched by dementia. My mother lived with Lewy body dementia for more than a decade. During that difficult time, Bill often had kind words to share and understood the toll these diseases take on families and caregivers.

Bill also understands this struggle personally. His father died from Alzheimer's disease in 1998. Even as he steps away from the anchor desk, Ritter plans to continue reporting on Alzheimer's and the challenges facing patients and their families.

New York City is losing one of its most trusted voices at the anchor desk, but his commitment to journalism and public service continues.

Thank you, Bill, for your years of leadership, kindness, and integrity.

Editor's Note

From time to time, I share reflections on my years working in New York television news, including stories from my experiences at CNN, MSNBC, WCBS, and WABC.