NEW YORK (VINnews) — Longtime WABC-TV news anchor Bill Ritter announced Friday that he is stepping back from his role as a daily news anchor after being diagnosed with early-stage Alzheimer’s disease.

Ritter, a fixture on New York television for nearly three decades, said he intends to remain involved with the station in a reduced capacity and plans to help educate viewers about Alzheimer’s and the challenges faced by patients and caregivers.

A message from the legendary Bill Ritter.

We are praying and pulling for you my friend.

It’s been the greatest honor of my career to share the stage with you. pic.twitter.com/7Jm6VIQBcm

— Ryan Field (@RyanFieldABC) June 13, 2026

The 76-year-old journalist said recent medical evaluations led to the diagnosis. He indicated that treatment has helped manage symptoms but that the progressive nature of the disease influenced his decision to leave daily anchoring.

Ritter joined WABC-TV in 1998 and became one of the city’s most familiar broadcast journalists, anchoring major newscasts and covering some of the most significant stories affecting New York and the nation.

In a statement, station management praised Ritter’s professionalism, dedication and decades of service to viewers, saying he would remain part of the ABC7 family.

Throughout his career, Ritter reported on and anchored coverage of major local, national and international events, earning widespread recognition in the New York media market.

He said he plans to focus more on family while continuing to advocate for greater awareness and understanding of Alzheimer’s disease.