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 7/21/24: Breaking down the RNC and what's next for Biden; FDNY chief on why she's leaving
In this edition of Up Close, we break down both parties in the race for the White House, and talk to FDNY Commissioner Laura Kavanagh on why she's stepping aside.
Up Close: FDNY Commissioner Kavanagh on why she is leaving
In her first television interview, Kavanagh told Eyewitness News why she's decided to leave the FDNY, this - after 10 years working for the department.
Up Close: Former New York governor weighs in on state of President Biden's campaign
In this edition of Up Close, we have more on the growing calls for Biden to step down from his re-election campaign, and also get a former New York governor's take on what this all means.
Dr. Ruth Westheimer, America's diminutive and pioneering sex therapist, dies at 96
96-year-old Dr. Ruth Westheimer has died at her home in New York City.
Up Close Special Report: Reaction to the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump
In this episode of Up Close, local and government officials react to the assassination attempt against former President Donald Trump and the ramifications it will have moving forward.
Up Close 7/7/24: Will NYC schools ban cellphones? Chancellor Banks reflects on academic year
In this episode of Up Close, NYC Public Schools Chancellor David Banks reflects on the successes and challenges of the last year, and what lies ahead for students.
Up Close 6/23/24: Biden announces protections for immigrant spouses and children of US citizens
In this episode of Up Close, we discuss President Joe Biden's latest executive order to protect undocumented spouses and children of U.S. citizens.
Up Close 6/16/24: Jamaal Bowman vs. George Latimer, the battle for NY's 16th Congressional District
In this episode of Up Close, we examine the race for New York's 16th Congressional District between incumbent Jamaal Bowman and challenger George Latimer.
Up Close preview: Democrats Latimer, Bowman square off ahead of New York primary election
Eyewitness News anchor Bill Ritter asked both Jamaal Bowman and George Latimer about their perspectives on the war in the Middle East.
Up Close: Assessing the political implications of Donald Trump's guilty verdict
In this episode of Up Close, we discuss the fallout of former President Donald Trump's guilty verdict with two veteran politicians.