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 on May 28, 2023: Finding work and housing for migrants
On this episode of Up Close, New York's top elected officials are trying to solve the many issues associated with the surge of migrants to New York City.
Up Close on May 21, 2023: New York City's migrant crisis
In this episode of Up Close, a deep dive into the migrant crisis in New York City.
Up Close on May 14, 2023: The migrant crisis and George Santos indictment
On this episode of Up Close, major issues facing the Tri-State and the nation, including the migrant crisis and the Santos indictment.
Up Close on May 7, 2023: Muslim NJ mayor denied White House entry, Covid emergency ends May 11
Up Close: New Jersey's longest-serving mayor was denied entry to the White House for a Muslim celebration he was invited to while he was on his way to Washington.
Barbara Walters in her own words in 2014
Bill Ritter sat down with Barbara Walters in 2014 as she says goodbye to daily television.
Up Close preview: Congressman Zeldin takes aim at Hochul, crime in race for New York governor
After interviewing Hochul on Wednesday, Eyewitness News anchor Bill Ritter sat down with Zeldin for Up Close, to discuss why he wants the job and whether his support of former President Donald Trump will hurt him in New York.
Up Close preview: Kathy Hochul addresses crime, Zeldin in bid for New York governor
Eyewitness News anchor Bill Ritter talked to Governor Kathy Hochul for the latest edition of Up Close, as the race for New York governor narrows ahead of election.
Bill Ritter reflects on the anniversary of 9/11: A divided United States needs healing, unity
Eyewitness News anchor Bill Ritter reflects on the 21st anniversary of September 11 and wonders how the nation became so divided so quickly.
Bill Ritter reflects on the anniversary of 9/11: Life viewed in 20-year increments
Eyewitness News anchor Bill Ritter reflects on the 20th anniversary of September 11 and what two decades means through the lens of life.
Bill Ritter reflects on the 19th anniversary of 9/11: 'The hardest story I've ever covered'
As Bill Ritter reflects on the 19th anniversary of 9/11, it's hard not to also reflect on the pain that the COVID pandemic has caused. "Both events have changed our lives. Both events have changed our world view. Both events will be with us. Always."