Bill Ritter steps down from WABC 5 p.m. ‘Eyewitness News’ after historic run

Veteran anchor Bill Ritter has officially stepped down from his role as co-anchor of WABC-TV’s 5 p.m. edition of Eyewitness News, with reporter and anchor Mike Marza set to take over the position starting June 3, 2025.

Ritter made the announcement during the June 2 broadcast, citing a desire to spend more time with his family, including his newborn granddaughter. Though stepping down from the early evening slot, Ritter will continue his roles at the station — co-anchoring the 6 p.m. newscast alongside Liz Cho and hosting the Sunday morning public affairs program Up Close.

This move marks the second major change in WABC’s anchor lineup this year. In March, Ritter also stepped away from anchoring the 11 p.m. newscast, a spot now held by Mike Marza and Sade Baderinwa.

Ritter is the longest-tenured co-anchor of the 5 p.m. broadcast in WABC history. He emphasized during the announcement that his connection to the station and its journalism is strong, calling it “in [his] DNA.”

Mike Marza, previously a weekend evening anchor and ABC News correspondent, expressed gratitude for the opportunity and acknowledged Ritter as a mentor. Colleagues have praised Ritter for his decades-long impact in the newsroom and his commitment to quality journalism.

With Marza stepping into the 5 p.m. slot, WABC continues to evolve its Eyewitness News team while honoring the legacy of one of its most recognizable figures.

The transition reflects a broader shift in local news as veteran anchors make way for a new generation of journalists while staying connected to the communities they’ve served for years.