Beloved WABC anchor Bill Ritter has announced he is stepping down after revealing he has been diagnosed with early-stage Alzheimer’s disease.
In an emotional message, the 76-year-old said doctors confirmed the diagnosis after testing and that he will reduce his on-air role while focusing on raising awareness about the condition.
Ritter said he is deeply affected by the illness, as his father also died from Alzheimer’s, and he now plans to spend more time with his family, including his new grandson.
He joined WABC in 1998 and became one of the station’s most respected anchors, covering major national and international events over his decades-long career.