BILL RITTER RETIRES FROM WABC AFTER ALZHEIMER'S DIAGNOSIS

Bill Ritter announced his retirement from WABC on Friday evening after disclosing that he has early-stage Alzheimer's disease. Ritter has anchored the 6pm Eyewitness News broadcast at the New York station since 2001. The 76-year-old said he would step down from his on-air role but confirmed he would continue reporting on Alzheimer's disease and related health issues.

In his statement, Ritter acknowledged that treatments are currently keeping his condition stable, though he noted no cure exists for the disease. His father died from Alzheimer's disease. Ritter joined WABC in 1998 and previously worked at the Los Angeles Times and local television stations in California, anchoring the 11pm newscast at ABC before moving to the 6pm slot.

WABC intends to commission deeper reporting on the rising prevalence of Alzheimer's and similar diseases, examining their impact on patients and families alongside the unaffordable costs of treatment and care. The station will explore how the United States might address these systemic challenges. Nearly 7 million Americans currently live with Alzheimer's disease, according to the Alzheimer's Foundation of America. Alzheimer's is a progressive neurological disorder affecting memory, thinking and language skills.