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 11/17/24: Congressman Lawler, Torres weigh in on Trump's win, what it means for parties
In this edition of Up Close, we talk to Mike Lawler and Ritchie Torres about Donald Trump's presidential victory, and what it means for Republicans and Democrats.
Up Close 10/20/24: Andy Kim, Curtis Bashaw make their case to fill Bob Menendez's Senate seat in NJ
In this edition of Up Close, Bill Ritter talks to the candidates for Menendez's seat, Democratic Congressman Andy Kim and Republican businessman Curtis Bashaw.
Up Close 10/27/24: Anthony D'Esposito, Laura Gillen battle in NY congressional race on Long Island
Democrats are trying to flip several Republican-held seats this upcoming election, in hopes of once again gaining control of the House of Representatives. One of the hard-fought races includes New York's 4th Congressional District on Long Island.
Up Close 10/13/24: Getting to know New York's newly appointed Deputy Mayor Maria Torres-Springer
The daughter of Filipino immigrants, Maria Torres-Springer went to Yale and to Harvard, and has served in the administrations of mayors Michael Bloomberg, Bill de Blasio and Adams.
Up Close 10/6/24: Republican incumbent LaLota, Democratic challenger Avlon talk congressional race
In this edition of Up Close, we take a deeper look at the U.S. House and Senate, which could have major implications on the next president's agenda, depending on who controls the two legislative branches.
Up Close 9/29/24: Former NY Governor discusses the federal indictment of NYC Mayor Eric Adams
In this edition of Up Close, we dive deep into the five-count federal indictment of New York City Mayor Eric Adams.
Up Close 9/22/24: Can Donald Trump win NY? Impact of his Long Island rally on 2024 presidential race
In this edition of Up Close, we examine the state of the race for the White House following former President Donald Trump's rally on Long Island.
Up Close 9/15/24: Former NYC Police Commissioner Bill Bratton discusses shakeup in the NYPD
NYPD Commissioner Edward Caban is out after just 14 months as the city's top cop. He officially resigned a week after federal investigators subpoenaed his cell phone, along with the devices of at least six other NYPD officials.
Bill Ritter reflects on the 23rd anniversary of September 11th
We talk about never forgetting this horrific event -- and the deaths of people still dying from these 9/11 illnesses makes it even more important that we must always remember.
Up Close: NYC Schools Chancellor Banks addresses biggest challenge ahead of new school year
In this edition of Up Close, New York City Schools Chancellor David Banks addresses the biggest debate in schools across the country: how to keep kids in class from paying attention to their smart phones instead of their teachers.