Bill Ritter
He started anchoring the 11 p.m. newscast on Eyewitness News in October, 1999, succeeding the great Bill Beutel, and then added the 6 p.m. newscast in February, 2001.
He has covered, for Eyewitness News and ABC News, the big and important events since 1992 when he joined ABC as founding co-host of "Good Morning America/Sunday."
Earlier in his career Bill, a native of Los Angeles, reported on the Rodney King trial and the subsequent Los Angeles riots for the Fox Television Network. From August 1991 through February 1992 Ritter also served as a reporter for the Fox Network's nationally syndicated show Entertainment Daily Journal (E.D.J.); and from February 1990 to August 1991 was an investigative reporter for KTTV-TV (Fox Television) in Los Angeles. He also was an anchor for the station's Gulf War coverage.
He began his television career as a business and then investigative reporter for KNSD-TV (NBC affiliate) in San Diego from February 1987 to January 1990.
Bill began his career in print journalism in 1972. He served as a reporter and then business editor of the San Diego County edition of The Los Angeles Times from February 1984 to January 1987. He also worked as a reporter and editor for the San Diego Business Journal from June 1980 to January 1984.
Additionally, Ritter served as a board member and then chairman of Crash, Inc., a non-profit drug education and prevention organization in San Diego, from 1980 to 1990. He also was on the San Diego State University Business School advisory board in 1984 and 1985.
Ritter attended San Diego State University from 1968-1972. He was kicked out of school for demonstrating against the Vietnam War. Forty years later he went back to college, graduating from The New School in May, 2016.
Bill's Stories
Up Close 12/03/23: George Santos' expulsion and a congestion pricing proposal
Up Close 12/03/23: On this episode of "Up Close," we discuss George Santos' expulsion from the House and a new congestion pricing proposal.
Up Close: Looking ahead at the 2024 Presidential Election
Former Democratic Congressman Charles Rangel and Republican Peter King join "Up Close" this week to discuss the 2024 presidential election.
Up Close: House Ethics Committee files resolution to expel Rep. George Santos
Up Close: One of the House Ethics Committee members that investigated New York Congressman George Santos discusses the recent resolution filed to expel him from office.
Up Close 11/12/23: Former New Jersey Gov. Jim McGreevey on his campaign for mayor of Jersey City
This week on Up Close, we speak to former New Jersey Governor Jim McGreevey and former Manhattan District Attorney Cy Vance.
Up Close 10/29/23: New speaker of the House, Maine massacre, crisis in the Mideast
Up Close: This week on Up Close we talk to Democrat Josh Gottheimer of New Jersey and Republican Mike Lawler of New York about Speaker Mike Johnson, the Maine massacre, the ongoing crisis in the Mideast.
How the International Committee of the Red Cross is bringing humanitarian aid to the Mideast
Eyewitness News Anchor Bill Ritter spoke to the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) to learn more about how they are bringing hostages out of the warzone in the Mideast, and helping those who need them the most.
Up Close 10/22/23: Crisis in the Mideast, Governor Hochul visits Israel
Up Close: Crisis continues in the Mideast as Israel pounds Gaza, and New York Governor Kathy Hochul visits Israel.
Up Close for 10/15/23: The Israel-Hamas War
In this episode of Up Close, the Hamas terror attacks in Israel and Israel's retaliation in Gaza - fears that all this horror could expand.
Up Close 10/8/23: Hamas attacks Israel
On this episode of Up Close, life and death chaos in the form of a terrorist massacre in Israel. A surprise invasion and attack by the Iran-funded terrorist group in Gaza called Hamas.
Eyewitness to the Death of John Lennon: A WABC-TV special
Our John Lennon special will tell the story that shook the world from a perspective you've never seen -- as it happened, moment by moment, through the eyes of Eyewitness News.