Bill Ritter announced on Monday, June 2, that he will be stepping down from his co-anchor position on the 5 p.m. edition of WABC's “Eyewitness News.” Mike Marza will take over the role starting Tuesday. Ritter will, however, continue to co-anchor the 6 p.m. broadcast with Liz Cho and remain host of the Sunday morning public affairs program, “Up Close.”
This is the second adjustment to the station’s anchor lineup in recent months. Ritter previously stepped down from the 11 p.m. newscast on March 6, with Marza taking over alongside Sade Baderinwa. During Monday’s 5 p.m. broadcast, Ritter explained his decision, emphasizing his wish to spend more time with his family, including a new granddaughter. He reaffirmed his dedication to WABC and “Eyewitness News,” stating that journalism at the station is “in (his) DNA.” He is noted as the longest-serving 5 p.m. anchor in the station’s history.
Marza expressed gratitude for the opportunity and acknowledged Ritter's mentorship. He previously worked as a weekend evening anchor and has reported for ABC News. The transition was met with statements from colleagues praising Ritter’s contributions and his continued presence within the station’s newscasts.