Anchor Bill Ritter Retires Amid Alzheimer's News

Veteran WABC-TV anchor Bill Ritter is concluding his distinguished career, with his final broadcast scheduled for June 12, 2026. The 76-year-old journalist announced his retirement, coinciding with a diagnosis of early-stage Alzheimer's disease. While the disease's role in his decision is not explicitly stated, the timing has led to public speculation.

Ritter joined WABC in 1998, becoming a familiar face on Eyewitness News. His retirement marks the end of a long tenure with the organization, leaving many viewers saddened.

His wife, Kathleen Friery, has also been a significant figure in the media industry. An award-winning television producer and media trainer, she shares a background in broadcast journalism with Bill. They met in 1998 while working on the '20/20' program, beginning a professional relationship that evolved into a long-term union.

Friery's impressive career includes producing credits for 'Good Morning America,' 'Anderson Cooper 360,' and CNN's 'Connie Chung Tonight.' Her work has earned her multiple accolades, including four Emmy Awards, Peabody Awards, and a DuPont Award for her coverage of challenging news events.

Beyond her media career, Friery is an entrepreneur, running an independent media training business, and a philanthropist. She and Bill established the Kathleen Friery & Bill Ritter Scholarship to support student interns at SUNY Potsdam.

The couple married in September 2008 and reside in New York with their three children: Mia, Ella, and Owen. Bill Ritter also has two children from a previous marriage. His daughters' encouragement played a role in his decision to complete his undergraduate education at The New School in 2016.