Veteran ABC7 anchor Bill Ritter announced his departure from the anchor desk after being diagnosed with early-stage Alzheimer's disease. The 76-year-old journalist shared the news during Friday's broadcast, stating treatments are currently slowing the progression of the disease. Ritter will continue with ABC7, focusing on health reporting, particularly Alzheimer's and its impact.

News anchor Bill Ritter is exiting his role at WABC-TV's 6 p.m. "News Anchor Job "Eyewitness News" after being diagnosed with early stage Alzheimer's.

Bill Ritter, who has anchored the 6 p.m. newscast for ABC New York station WABC since 2001, said Friday's broadcast would be his last at the anchor desk.