Bill Ritter is leaving New York’s airwaves after announcing on TV that he has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease.
The WABC-TV veteran journalist, 76, revealed doctors diagnosed him after a series of tests showed he has early-stage Alzheimer’s.
“They say the treatments I’m getting are keeping it at bay, at least for now,” he told New Yorkers during the station’s June 12 newscast, which he said would be his last.
“But there is no guarantee here, because there’s no cure yet for Alzheimer’s,” he said. “So, unless someone finds an amazing cure, and really soon, tonight will be the last newscast I anchor.”
While viewers may not see his face on their screens as often, Ritter assured that he is not leaving WABC, where he has worked since 1998. In a new role, he will mentor up-and-coming journalists while continuing to cover Alzheimer’s. He expressed gratitude to the station for its support during the transition and thanked all who have shown him “compassion and humanity and love.”
“I’m also going to remain a journalist here at Eyewitness News, and so you will still see me on air and online,” he explained. “This station wants to dig deeper into the rising tide of Alzheimer’s and other similar diseases.”
The TV journalist explained that his new coverage focus has been personal to him long before his own diagnosis, recounting his father’s own journey and death 28 years ago.
“I’m not a stranger to this disease,” he said. “My dad died with it in June 1998. I have since been active in the fight to stop Alzheimer’s, and I will continue doing that.”
Ritter said he plans to spend more time with his family, which has “now become even more important, because my life has taken a turn.” He has three children, including daughter Mia and son Owen, whom he shares with ex-wife Janny Scott. He also has a daughter, Ella, with his wife, Kathleen, whom he married in 2008.
He revealed that his children have told him, “Dad, you’re being so brave in all this,” to which he added, “But no – it’s not me, it’s them who are being brave. As is my wife Kathleen.”
Expressing gratitude to Eyewitness News viewers, he said he’s “going to so miss reporting the news to all of you.”
“With the truth, and with facts, no matter where they fall. It has been my honor to do just that. For now, I wish you health and peace, and let’s take care of each other,” he said.
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