After Decades on TV, This New York News Anchor Shared an Emotional Reason for Stepping Away

For many in New Jersey and New York, watching the evening news meant seeing the same familiar face every night. That's why Friday's broadcast was such an emotional one for viewers across the region.

After decades on television, veteran ABC7 anchor Bill Ritter signed off from the anchor desk for the final time. But it wasn't just a retirement announcement that had people talking. Ritter also revealed that he has been diagnosed with early-stage Alzheimer's disease.

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Bill Ritter Opens Up About Alzheimer's Diagnosis

During ABC7's Friday 6 p.m. newscast, Ritter shared the news directly with viewers.

The longtime journalist explained that after undergoing a series of medical tests, doctors diagnosed him with early-stage Alzheimer's. While he said current treatments have helped slow the progression of the disease, he acknowledged the uncertainty that comes with the diagnosis.

Ritter told viewers that unless a major breakthrough is found, Friday's broadcast would be his final night anchoring the news.

The announcement carried even more weight because Alzheimer's has already touched his family in a very personal way. Ritter's father died from the disease in 1998, the same year Ritter began his career at WABC-TV.

ABC7 via YouTube

Why Bill Ritter Decided to Step Away

Ritter said he had already started reducing his on-air responsibilities over the past year. He stepped away from ABC7's late-night and 5 p.m. newscasts, planning to focus more on family life.

Those plans have become especially meaningful recently.

The 75-year-old shared that he became a grandfather last year, is expecting another grandchild soon, and is looking forward to seeing his youngest daughter graduate from high school next year.

Rather than focusing on work deadlines and daily broadcasts, Ritter said he wants to spend more time enjoying these important family milestones.

Bill Ritter Isn't Leaving ABC7 Completely

While viewers won't see Ritter anchoring the evening news anymore, he made it clear that he is not disappearing.

In fact, he plans to stay involved with ABC7 in a different role.

Ritter said he will continue mentoring younger journalists and helping the station expand its coverage of Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia. He also plans to report on the growing impact these conditions have on families, caregivers, and healthcare costs.

So while his chapter behind the anchor desk has come to an end, viewers can still expect to see Bill Ritter contributing both on television and online in the months ahead.

For many in New Jersey and New York, it marks the end of an era. But for Ritter, it also marks the beginning of a deeply personal new mission. Wishing Bill and his family all the best.