"I am going to so miss reporting the news to all of you, with the truth and with facts, no matter where they fall."
Bill Ritter, a longtime anchor at ABC New York station WABC, announced his retirement on Friday after revealing he has early signs of Alzheimer's disease. Ritter, 76, has anchored the main evening news since 2001.
A Personal Decision
In a statement, Ritter said: "I am 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. But for now, I wish you health and peace and let’s take care of each other."
He added that treatments are keeping the disease at bay for now, but noted that there is no cure.
Continuing the Fight
Ritter, who lost his father to Alzheimer's, said he will continue to report on the issue. The station plans to cover Alzheimer's and related diseases, including their impact on patients and families and the cost of treatment.
Career Highlights
Ritter joined WABC in 1998, previously working at the Los Angeles Times and local television in California. He began anchoring the 11pm newscast in 1999 and the 6pm newscast in 2001.
About the Disease
Alzheimer's disease is a progressive brain disorder affecting memory, thinking, and language. According to the Alzheimer's Foundation of America, nearly 7 million Americans currently live with the disease.