Bill Ritter is an American television journalist best known for his long career with WABC-TV’s “Eyewitness News” in New York City. For more than two decades, he served as one of the most familiar evening news anchors in the nation’s largest media market. His work blended local reporting, national coverage, political interviews, and public service journalism.
In June 2026, Ritter stepped away from daily anchoring after publicly revealing an early-stage Alzheimer’s diagnosis. He said he would remain connected to ABC7 through special reporting, mentoring, and coverage related to Alzheimer’s disease.
| Net Worth: | $3 Million |
|---|---|
| Real Name: | William Sheldon Ritter |
| Birth Date: | `February 26, 1950 |
| Age (as of 2026): | 76 Years |
| Birth Place: | Los Angeles, California, USA |
| Height: | – |
| Parents: | – |
| Wife: | Kathleen Friery |
Early Life
Bill Ritter was born on 26th February, 1950, in Los Angeles, California. His 76th birthday was celebrated by WABC-TV in February 2026, confirming his age and long public presence in the newsroom. He grew up in Southern California during a period shaped by civil rights activism, anti-war protests, and rapid changes in American media.
Ritter has described his early life as strongly influenced by his parents’ values and their work ethic. As a young man, he worked in his parents’ beauty supply store, where he met people from different walks of life. Those experiences later shaped his interest in civil rights, identity, and public fairness.
Family & Education
Bill Ritter comes from a Jewish family rooted in Los Angeles. His parents operated a beauty supply business, and he has spoken publicly about their support for civil rights. On his 15th birthday, he attended a speech by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. at his temple, an experience he later connected to his public views on equality.
His father died with Alzheimer’s disease in June 1998. That family history became especially meaningful after Ritter revealed his own diagnosis in 2026. He later said he wanted to use his platform to report on the disease, patient care, treatment costs, and the burden placed on families.
Ritter attended San Diego State University from 1968 to 1972, where he studied accounting and economics. He was one semester short of graduation when the university expelled him for demonstrating against the Vietnam War. The incident became an important part of his personal story.
More than four decades later, Ritter returned to higher education. Encouraged by his children, he completed his degree at The New School in New York. He graduated in May 2016, 44 years after leaving San Diego State. His return to college drew public attention because it reflected persistence, humility, and a willingness to finish unfinished work.
Career
Bill Ritter began his journalism career in print in 1972. He worked as a reporter and editor before becoming business editor for the San Diego County edition of the Los Angeles Times from 1984 to 1987. He also worked for the San Diego Business Journal from 1980 to 1984.
His television career began at KNSD-TV in San Diego, where he worked as a business and investigative reporter from 1987 to 1990. During that period, he earned four Emmy Awards for investigative journalism. His reporting included white-collar crime investigations, a local stock fraud case, and safety issues involving killer whales and trainers at Sea World of California.
Bill Ritter later moved into Los Angeles television. He worked as an investigative reporter for KTTV-TV and reported on major stories, including the Rodney King trial and the Los Angeles riots. He also contributed to Fox’s nationally syndicated “Entertainment Daily Journal.”
In 1993, Ritter joined ABC News. He became a founding co-host of “Good Morning America/Sunday” and later worked as a correspondent for “Good Morning America.” In November 1997, he joined “20/20” as a correspondent, covering national stories and investigative features.
Ritter joined WABC-TV’s “Eyewitness News” in June 1998 as a weekend anchor while continuing his ABC News work. In October 1999, he became anchor of the 11 p.m. newscast, succeeding Bill Beutel. In February 2001, he added the 6 p.m. newscast.
Over the years, Bill Ritter covered major stories including TWA Flight 800, the Oklahoma City bombing aftermath, the O.J. Simpson trials, the death of Princess Diana, the Columbine shooting, and major New York City crime and political stories.
In June 2026, Ritter announced that he was stepping away from anchoring after doctors diagnosed him with early-stage Alzheimer’s. He said his final WABC anchor broadcast would air on June 12, 2026. He also confirmed that he would continue journalism work through special projects, especially stories tied to Alzheimer’s and related conditions.
Personal Life
Bill Ritter is married to Kathleen Friery. In his 2026 public statement, he thanked Kathleen and his children for their courage and support during his diagnosis. Public profiles also note that Ritter was previously married to journalist and author Janny Scott.
Ritter is a father of three children. His oldest daughter, Mia, has been part of his public writing about LGBTQ+ rights. Ritter wrote about supporting her after she came out at age 17, and he has described himself as a proud LGBTQ+ ally. In 2026, he also spoke about becoming a grandfather and expecting more grandchildren, saying family time had become even more important.
His known interests include journalism, mentoring younger reporters, public affairs, civil rights, Alzheimer’s advocacy, and surfing. His Instagram bio describes him as a “Dad, Husband” and “Pining Surfer,” which gives a small public glimpse into his personal style outside the newsroom.
Social Media
Bill Ritter maintains a public Instagram account under the handle @billritter7, where he identifies himself with his ABC7 work and personal roles as a husband and father. He also has a public Facebook page connected to his ABC7 identity as Bill Ritter ABC7. ABC7’s official biography page links to his social media profiles, including Facebook, X, and Instagram, though his strongest visible public presence appears on Instagram and Facebook.
Bill Ritter Net Worth
As of 2026, Bill Ritter’s estimated net worth is in the low seven-figure range, commonly around $1 million to $3 million. His primary income came from his journalism career, including long-term roles at WABC-TV, ABC News, “20/20,” and “Good Morning America/Sunday.”
He also earned income through decades of local and national television work, political programming, investigative reporting, and public appearances. There is no reliable public evidence of major endorsement deals or large outside business ventures tied to Ritter.
