Bill Ritter Biography: Age, Wife | WABC-TV News Anchor

Bill Ritter: Award-Winning Journalist and WABC-TV News Anchor

Bill Ritter is an Emmy Award-winning American television news anchor and journalist.

He has been a prominent figure at WABC-TV in New York City since 1998, serving as an anchor for Eyewitness News.

Additionally, Ritter is a correspondent for the ABC News program “20/20.”

Early Life and Education:

• Born on February 26, 1950, in Los Angeles, California.

• Expelled from San Diego State University in 1972 for protesting the Vietnam War, one semester shy of graduation.

• Earned a degree from The New School in 2016, 44 years after his expulsion.

Career:

• Began his career as a writer for the Los Angeles Times.

• Joined WABC-TV in 1998, initially anchoring on weekends.

• Succeeded Bill Beutel as the 11 p.m. news anchor in September 1999.

• Became the 6 p.m. news anchor in February 2001.

• Also serves as a correspondent for the ABC News program 20/20.

Awards and Recognition:

• Emmy Award winner

• Edward R. Murrow Award winner

• New York State Broadcasters Association Award winner

• Associated Press Award winner

Age:

Bill Ritter was born William Sheldon Ritter on February 26, 1950, in Los Angeles, California, which makes him 74 years old.

His zodiac sign is Pisces. He is of White-American ethnicity and holds American nationality.

Upbringing, Parents, and Siblings:

Bill Ritter’s upbringing in Los Angeles, California, was rooted in his Jewish heritage and shaped by his family dynamics.

His parents, Ethel and Bill Ritter, played significant roles in his early life. Growing up, Bill experienced the values and traditions of his Jewish culture, which undoubtedly influenced his perspective and character.

In his early years, Bill faced a pivotal moment that would shape his future path. In 1972, while attending San Diego State University, he was expelled due to his active involvement in protests against the Vietnam War.

This event marked a turning point, highlighting his commitment to social and political causes. Despite the setback, Bill’s determination led him to continue his education, eventually completing his degree in broadcast journalism from The New School in 2016.

Bill’s brother, Bruce Ritter, also played a significant role in his life. The bond they shared was evident, and Bruce’s passing in March 2018 was undoubtedly a profound loss for Bill and his family.

Throughout his career, Bill has drawn on the experiences and values instilled in him during his upbringing, contributing to his success and resilience as a journalist.

Wife:

Bill Ritter is married to Kathleen Friery, an award-winning producer and media trainer. Kathleen has over 20 years of experience working with popular television networks like ABC and CNN.

At ABC, she was a producer and supervising producer for shows like “Good Morning America” and “20/20”, and at CNN, she was the Senior Producer for “Connie Chung Tonight” and Executive Producer of “Anderson Cooper 360”.

Kathleen holds a bachelor’s degree from the State University of New York College at Potsdam and a master’s degree in arts and broadcast journalism from New York University.

Bill and Kathleen have been married since September 6, 2008, and they share a close-knit family life.

They have three children: two daughters, Mia and Ella, and a son, Owen. Ella is the youngest among the three.

Bill often shares pictures with his family on social media, showcasing their happy moments together.

Height, Weight:

Bill Ritter stands at a height of 5 feet 11 inches (1.81 meters). He maintains an average body weight of around 168 lbs (76 kg).

Career and Background:

Bill Ritter began his journalism career in print media in 1972, working as a reporter and later as a business editor for the San Diego County edition of The Los Angeles Times from 1984 to 1987.

He transitioned to television journalism in 1987, serving as a business and investigative reporter for KNSD-TV (NBC affiliate) in San Diego, where he earned four Emmy Awards for his investigative reporting.

Ritter continued his career at KTTV-TV (Fox Television) in Los Angeles as an investigative reporter and anchor for the station’s Gulf War coverage.

He later joined KCAL-TV in Los Angeles, where his “Up Front” segment headlined the station’s 9 p.m. weeknight news broadcast.

In January 1993, Ritter joined ABC News as co-anchor of “Good Morning America Sunday,” covering significant news stories, including the crash of TWA Flight 800 and the death of Princess Diana.

He became a correspondent for “20/20” in 1997. In June 1998, Ritter joined WABC-TV’s Eyewitness News in New York City, initially anchoring weekends before succeeding Bill Beutel on the 11 p.m. news in September 1999 and the 6 p.m. news in February 2001.

Throughout his career, Ritter has covered major events and conducted numerous investigative reports, earning recognition for his contributions to journalism.

San Diego County Edition of The Los Angeles Times

Bill Ritter began his journalism career in 1972 at the San Diego County edition of The Los Angeles Times.

As a young reporter, he quickly made a name for himself with his rigorous approach to news reporting.

His dedication and hard work paid off, as he was soon promoted to business editor. In this role, Bill oversaw the business section of the newspaper, guiding a team of reporters and ensuring the accuracy and quality of their work.

His ability to manage a newsroom, coupled with his sharp editorial instincts, set the stage for his future success in journalism.

San Diego Business Journal

From 1980 to 1984, Bill expanded his expertise by joining the San Diego Business Journal.

He started as a reporter, where he covered a variety of business-related topics, providing in-depth analysis and insights into the local economy.

His keen understanding of business dynamics and his ability to communicate complex financial information to the public were invaluable.

Bill’s dedication and skill earned him a promotion to editor, where he further honed his leadership abilities and managed the editorial content of the publication, ensuring that the journal maintained its high standards of quality and relevance.

KNSD-TV (NBC Affiliate) in San Diego

In 1987, Bill transitioned to television journalism, joining KNSD-TV, an NBC affiliate in San Diego.

As a business and investigative reporter, Bill quickly became known for his meticulous and thorough reporting.

His investigative work uncovered important stories that had a significant impact on the community.

Bill’s dedication to uncovering the truth and his commitment to high journalistic standards earned him four Emmy Awards during his time at KNSD-TV.

His work in television allowed him to reach a broader audience and solidified his reputation as a leading investigative journalist.

KTTV-TV (Fox Television) in Los Angeles

In February 1990, Bill moved to KTTV-TV, a Fox Television station in Los Angeles, where he continued his work as an investigative reporter until August 1991.

During his tenure at KTTV, Bill covered major events such as the Gulf War.

His in-depth analysis and reporting on the conflict provided viewers with a comprehensive understanding of the situation.

Bill’s ability to report on complex international issues with clarity and accuracy further established his credibility as a journalist and brought him national recognition.

KCAL-TV (Disney-Owned Independent Station) in Los Angeles

From June to December 1992, Bill worked at KCAL-TV, a Disney-owned independent station in Los Angeles.

Here, he reported on major stories, including the Rodney King trial and the Los Angeles riots.

These events were pivotal moments in American history, and Bill’s coverage was critical in informing the public.

His reporting on the Rodney King trial provided viewers with detailed and accurate information, while his coverage of the Los Angeles riots highlighted the social and political tensions of the time.

Bill’s work at KCAL-TV demonstrated his ability to handle challenging and impactful stories with professionalism and integrity.

Fox Television Network

Between August 1991 and February 1992, Bill served as a reporter for the nationally syndicated show Entertainment Daily Journal on the Fox Television Network.

This role allowed him to expand his repertoire by covering a wide range of entertainment and news stories.

His work on the show demonstrated his versatility as a journalist and his ability to engage with a diverse audience.

Bill’s experience at Fox Television Network further broadened his skills and prepared him for the next stages of his career.

ABC News

Bill joined ABC News in 1993, marking a significant milestone in his career.

As a correspondent for the esteemed program 20/20 since November 1997, Bill has covered numerous investigative stories and human-interest pieces.

His work on 20/20 has earned him widespread acclaim for his ability to tell compelling stories that resonate with viewers.

In addition to his role on 20/20, Bill has hosted Good Morning America/Sunday and served as a correspondent on Good Morning America.

His contributions to ABC News have solidified his reputation as a trusted and respected journalist.

WABC-TV in New York City

Since 1998, Bill has been a prominent figure at WABC-TV in New York City. He initially anchored weekend newscasts before taking over the 11 p.m. news in September 1999 and the 6 p.m. news in February 2001.

At WABC-TV, Bill has continued to deliver impactful journalism, covering a wide range of news stories and earning the trust of viewers in one of the largest media markets in the world.

His dedication to providing accurate and insightful news coverage has made him a cornerstone of WABC-TV’s news team.

Here are Bill Ritter’s notable reports summarized concisely:

• Gulf War Coverage: Reported on the complexities and global implications of the Gulf War.

• Rodney King Trial and LA Riots: Covered these pivotal events, shedding light on social and political tensions.

• Drug Use Among Teens: Investigated drug use among teenage Orthodox Jews in Brooklyn.

• Building Scaffoldings in NYC: Highlighted safety concerns and regulatory scrutiny.

• Fire Safety Campaigns: Hosted the annual “Operation 7 Save A Life” campaign.

• Empire State Building Climb: Reported on antenna maintenance atop the skyscraper.

• Prostate Cancer Awareness: Underwent a live prostate cancer test and interviewed Rudy Giuliani.

• 9/11 Reflections: Provided commentary on the anniversary of 9/11.

• Interviews with Prominent Figures: Interviewed personalities like Mike Tyson, Evander Holyfield, and Charles Schulz.

Net Worth and Salary:

Bill Ritter’s net worth is estimated to be around $1 million. This wealth has been accumulated through his long and successful career in journalism, spanning several decades and multiple prestigious networks.

As for his salary, Bill Ritter earns an estimated annual salary ranging from $56,000 to $175,850.

His salary varies based on his roles and responsibilities at different networks, including his work as a correspondent for ABC News and as a news anchor at WABC-TV in New York City.

Bill’s financial success is a testament to his dedication and excellence in the field of journalism. His ability to consistently deliver high-quality news coverage has earned him both financial stability and professional respect.

Is Bill Ritter (journalist) Married?

Yes, Bill Ritter is married. He has been married to Kathleen Friery since September 6, 2008.

Kathleen is an award-winning producer and media trainer with over 20 years of experience at popular television networks like ABC and CNN.

The couple shares a strong professional and personal relationship, and they have three children together.

How Old Is Bill Ritter (journalist)?

Bill Ritter was born on February 26, 1950, which makes him 74 years old as of now

Where Is Bill Ritter (journalist) Working At?

Bill Ritter is currently working at WABC-TV in New York City. He serves as a news anchor for the station’s Eyewitness News team.

Since joining WABC-TV in June 1998, Bill has taken on various roles, including anchoring the 11 p.m. news in September 1999 and the 6 p.m. news in February 2001.

He continues to be a prominent figure in the newsroom, delivering impactful journalism and engaging with viewers.

Bill Ritter is active on social media. He has a presence on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.