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I'll say what I said on Discord about this: it's important to look at this as a digital product being simulcast on TV, instead of "they changed the news to look like this." The traditional newscast was, in essence, canceled, and the time filled with a streaming show. "But this looks bad! It won't get good ratings!" you may say... That's kind of the point? If people want "traditional" news, they can switch over to KSNF and watch most of the same content presented differently. This does not exist to get #1 ratings on TV. It exists to sell OTT targeted advertising to people who, at this point, are used to seeing this format, however "cheap" it looks. I would not be surprised to see this roll out to more Nexstar duopoly markets.

With one poster calling out WABC and saying that Bill should've retired into the sunset, and I bet haven't considered: the cost of health insurance. Yes, Bill could be on Medicare, but what you pay on Medicare is dependent on what you earn. I wouldn't be surprised that Disney/ABC accommodated Bill with this special correspondent position so he can continue with Disney's health insurance and Medicare/Medicare Advantage if he has one. Let's not forget that we aren't a country with universal health insurance for everyone and as Bill pointed out, treatment for Alzheimer/Dementia is very, very expensive.

that’s great that you’re expressing your opinion. So was I, though, I didn’t feel the need to write a paragraph explaining how expressing opinions works. Back to Bill — he’s not “that bad already”. Watch last week’s newscasts leading up to the announcement. Watch his interview on Good Morning America. Not knowing there’s a health issue, he just comes off at times a guy in his 70s who’s likely nearing retirement and, like anyone in their 70s, not as sharp as they were 10, 20, 30 years ago. “Gracefully gone into the sunset” - think of the message that sends to millions of Americans and their families dealing with this disease. Diagnosed with early stage Alzheimer’s and still feeling great and able to work — doesn’t matter. Just go off into the sunset and give up doing what you love. It’s a great thing Bill is doing and it’s great that ABC is supporting him, in my opinion.

His reports will surely be infrequent, his will be a unique perspective, said reports will be scripted with as many takes as needed to record, and if he does appear at the desk for a de-brief, everyone involved, including the viewer, will be aware of the circumstances and be understanding. I really don't get the hate. So what if it's only a year or two? I'm not sure I'd be putting money on many local news staples to be viable beyond that timeline, so why should the expectations for this to be any different? As for the reading of notes, that's being mature and proactive. He knows he's not 100%, so he's doing something that helps him retain info better. Hell, many healthy newscasters that are half his age should be taking more notes, these days. Similarly, folks are within their right to express the opinion that you're coming off as more than a little callous, especially as someone who is almost completely unaffected by this. None of us outside of market #1 are regular WABC viewers, so Bill going on local TV and trying something unique like this isn't going to ruin or make our day. If he, his bosses, co-workers, family, and (die-hard) viewers don't have a problem with this, then it is kind of a you problem.

Why should they do anything but what he, his employer, his family, and his doctors agree is best for all involved?

Happy 40th Anniversary, Ukee Washington!

For a company that's so worried about big tech, maybe they shouldn't have hitched their entire future to retransmission consent of pay TV and playing catch up supplying their content to newer platforms. Big tech isn't going to be their demise, they did this to themselves.

can't wait for the eventuality of Allen owning no stations.

This is absurd. There will come a point he cannot do even that reporting and when it comes, it will end. But having lost multiple family members to the ravages of dementia, I can say with painful first-hand experience that were there someone of a comparable familiarity to Mr. Ritter to those relatives, it might have eased the early pain and fear momentarily. Understanding what's happening and realizing the diagnosis itself is not an immediate sentence to be banished from the world they knew. The immediate isolation while they retain the memories and the ability to communicate is devastating. Reports on Alzheimer's will be hard to watch for many. Hell, I've been through it and they'd be hard for me, triggering painful memories. But it's important that we understand that there is still so much value someone with a disease like that can bring even if their decline is inevitable. While I'm sure ABC, or any network, would love complete overlap between shows, the reality is, especially over weekends, that people are not tuning in to each broadcast and paying the kind of attention folks on board like this do.

So much for Nexstar’s statement that it is committed to news. Making it difficult isn’t commitment to anything but the bottom line.

For us Simpsons fans, this merger carries a terrible curse .... We can call it Froku!

Emily Leonard, longtime WTVA anchor is leaving to join former co-worker Matt Laubhan's online venture, which is now adding news to their Mississippi Live Weather channel and will be known as Mississippi Live. Even though Gray now owns WTVA, the damage Allen Media has already done still lingers and this venture can be seen as a way broadcasters will have to compete with the internet when enterprises like these become powerful enough to hire broadcast journalists away from TV stations.

That’s his second report on Alzheimer’s and second time on the 6pm news since stepping down from the anchor chair. His first report was on the 6pm on Friday, June 19.

It saddens me that CBS is increasingly expanding this idea of VR studios. The standard implemented in Los Angeles, Denver, and Chicago would be great for their O&Os.

He posted this at about 9a CT Monday.

Working idea is to eventually place David at 6 with Liz. Joe to noon with Sandra. Joe and Sandra continue as the evening primary fill-ins.

If this really was as sudden of a change as we're led to believe, then I'd imagine a successor just isn't an immediate priority. Vacation time and such are weird in the summer, so if they do want to give her a co-anchor, they may just wait until the fall.

And this morning‘s talent open with the NBA champions graphics. ScreenRecording_06-14-2026 11-46-47_1.mov

Monday will be the first 6:00pm newscast on WABC-TV without a Bill sitting at the anchor desk permanently in nearly 56 years.

Can I just point out the irony that this image of the WPIX studio is at the bottom of the Nexstar-Tegna.com website? It should not be lost on anyone that Mission is still due to sell PIX 11 because Nexstar is running an out-of-state SSA though Mission Broadcasting and they still owe over $1.8 million to the FCC for de facto violation of the 39% ownership cap. However, that action is conveniently delayed under Brenden Carr. Perry is, at this point, flaunting that he's violating the public trust and the law. I'm forwarding this to my AG. Great litigation evidence, really. https://www.nexstar-tegna.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/local-news-image-2.jpg

Anywhere in any field, 40 years in one place is a real achievement.

Even the best don't make the right decisions every time. Part of being a leader is knowing when you've been beat. Then you minimize the damage and change course. This seems like a good move for everyone involved.

I just found this website... created by Nexstar themselves. https://www.nexstar-tegna.com/

PIX used their unique positioning (and the fact that they were part of the story) to their advantage. I think it was a good decision, albeit yes maybe the coverage was a bit too long. If you want other news and regular programming, turn to other channels. If you want in-depth coverage of this, keep it there. Many folks they interviewed complimented their extensive coverage and commitment, so I think this was (much needed) good press for WPIX after the mass layoffs.

That's dumb.

Honestly, either Bomke or Blanton should be the ones to succeed Dawn. Bomke has been there the longest of the two and has anchored nearly every newscast at the station over the past 12 years. Blanton is being wasted by only appearing on 'Chicago Live' and 'Chicago Report'. She led the coverage of the Obama Center grand opening and not Dawn; so maybe that is/was a sign.... I think the surprising firing of Scott may have prompted Dawn to re-evaluate things and I can't blame her for looking for a new opportunity. There's just too much upheaval (planned or unplanned) going on at WFLD.

It was a matter of time before this happened and honestly surprised it took Hearst as long as it did to do this. Any competing against yourself at the same time newscast (with the possible exception of a duopoly producing separate english and spanish language newscasts) is living on borrowed time with current revenue and viewership across the industry. As for WBBH and WZVN, there is some history of simulcasting morning news: they briefly dropped the ABC morning news and simulcast NBC at the worst of the great recession in 2008-2009.

Mike Golic and Mike Golic Jr. are back with ESPN Radio, hosting a late morning show to start in August: https://espnpressroom.com/us/press-releases/2026/06/mike-golic-sr-and-mike-golic-jr-return-to-espn-radio-to-host-the-golics/

I wonder if this treatment might help Bill? It won't reverse the disease, but at least in this 80yr old patient with advanced Alzheimer's disease, it improved functions and quality of life, in what I have to say is a remarkable way. Only one person in this trial, so the results in a larger case study are of course unknown, but if the affects of the treatment truly had such profound improvements, it seems worthwhile. https://www.sciencealert.com/magic-mushrooms-and-alzheimers-one-remarkable-case-raises-new-questions

If this madness was not going on, this thread would definitely not be here but regardless of what has happened, I feel that enough happens at the ABC O&Os nowadays for this thread to logically be here, so I am thinking about the present and the future here as you clearly see.

Did he at least pay Dale Hansen royalties for ripping off his sign-off from WFAA? Dale Hansen: "Television has to be more than sitcoms and cop shows. We need to take people out of their bubbles and their safe places, and make them think about the world we live in. It is the only thing I've ever really wanted to do." (2:28) Dustin Nolan: "We as a local news station have to be more than trends or sanitized news, because it makes people feel uncomfortable, that's what the facts matter and that's why we do what we do here. We have to take people out of their bubbles and comfort zones and make them thing about the world we all live in." (1:07) Dale Hansen: "If you don't have a Denny Livingston in your life, I strongly encourage you to find one. He makes dreams come true." (2:37) Dustin Nolan: "If you don't have a Jenna in your life, I suggest you find one. Because she makes dreams come true in every way another human can't." (1:50) Dale Hansen: "There will be no more TV tomorrows for me, so for everyone who has been a part of this one, and all of these 41 years, I'm Dale Hansen, and I really do thank you for watching. Goodnight, and good bye." (3:45) Dustin Nolan: "There will be no more TV tomorrows for me, so for everyone who has allowed me to be a part of their morning, I really do thank you. Good day, and good bye." (2:22) Hansen did it all without crying. Just saying.

excellent point. It’s the right thing to do and good on Disney/ABC for being loyal to someone who has been loyal to them.

With the exception of like Tom Skilling or Judy Woodruff, I don't know that I can name many anchors who stepped away from the desk and said they'd be back for special projects and reports who actually followed through. Having gone through this myself with family, if this was me, I'd never want to set foot back in the office. That said, he might like his co-workers and what he does enough to be motivated to stay busy and sharp as he navigates this. Just sad all around though. This is one of the worst ways to go.

Good to hear about her reaction. Hopefully they or another account posts that video soon. Interesting that they didn't show Bill interacting with his colleagues, or reaction from his colleagues, regarding his announcement after he made it on Friday. It would have been nice to see everybody wish him well after 20+ years of working together. But I respect his decision to close out the broadcast with just him and the viewer personally alone. I think it's fair. With so many examples of news employers mistreating their employees, it's nice to see an organization respect their talent so much that they take every effort possible to mention his departure.

...until the day they (are announced to) merge to "maximize the entertainment and monetary opportunities of both properties to create an FAST TV powerhouse that brings the best of TV and film to our hundred millions viewers that crave world-class free content". We shall see.

I just have to say its a bit heartbreaking and bittersweet to witness this moment. That moment when Bill Ritter decidedly left his post which such honor and dignity. Its a testament to who he is. He seems to be quite a remarkable human outside of the broadcasting space. He is well respected as we saw other outlets like WCBS, and others taking the time to mention this just is a testament to the amazing human he is. Bill has had some tough shoes to fill when his namesake, Bill Beutel left the job to him 27 years ago. He did just that to the best of his ability. He did what he set out to do 27 years ago and now it is time for him to pass this baton along to the new generation as we were eluding to. He gave it his all. Bill is a very special person for New Yorkers. His voice and his personality really was compelling. His reassurance with his warmth and personality, humility and dignity is not something we come across often in this industry and he had no shame in displaying that over the years. It made us feel like everything was going to be okay in the end with his delivery of the story. He is really pure and as wholesome as one can be and had such gravitas which I don't think anyone else has quite just yet its something that takes time to build and he certainly did that during his tenure at WABC. He truly upheld the high standard that his predecessor Bill Beutel (may he continue to rest in peace) passed on to Bill Ritter who he too now is passing on to the next. He's shown his vulnerability to us and is now seated with the other legends that we all knew and love. But for Bill its a little heartbreaking for me to see this because it kinda feels like he departed a little too soon. He certainly had a lot more to give and thats where it feels a bit sad for me. Over the years as a child and to this day as a near middle aged adult. Channel 7 was always on in the background, my parents would turn the channel it was a definitive part of my early life, and to this day I've always been a loyal viewer, the voices of these legends are etched in my memory and will always be forever. I've always knew that I was lucky to witness the professionalism this station continues to uphold the diversity and the professionalism of the individuals that work there it is a snapshot of what New York is at its best the diversity and the melting pot of different backgrounds coming together to deliver a product so profound which is why they continue to be the most watched station in the nation. WABC created a standard that help shaped the rest of this country and possibly the world. It brought me to these forums to have these compelling discussions about how these stations work behind the scenes and I really truly mean that. Bill got us through some of our darkest times the unforgettable 9/11 attacks that changed our world today, the Blackout of 2003, Hurricane Sandy, COVID, these are the stories that shaped our city he delivered them with such grace. It is truly an end of an era as we know it with his departure, sure we will see other anchors and other personalities mold in the coming years but we will never quite see anyone like him again, he will be extraordinarily missed. Im glad he's going to remain with us while he shares his journey with us and hopefully he gets some more years to spend with his family and his beloved people in his life. Thank You Bill!

There's no reason it can't be for both reasons.

WABC, WCBS and WNBC went wall to wall for stunt devils climbing the Empire State Building. They only broke away when it was clear the press wasn’t getting a perp walk. A potential building collapse of the former Pfizer building in Midtown East during the middle of the workday is worthy of extensive coverage.

Just to add some details... Dan Mannarino told viewers they had to evacuate, which he had been expecting, and they stopped talking at 11:18 (they would normally have been airing a court show repeat at that hour). They showed a skycam shot of the building with no audio until 11:21, when they took News Nation, which was in a commercial break. News Nation covered the story extensively until just before noon, when they ended up covering other stories. PIX 11 came back locally at 12:16 with Mannarino anchoring on the street. Definitely a story, but I wonder if PIX went a bit overboard as it is so close to them, because I don't think the other stations covered it as extensively. Then again, why should every station do the same thing? I guess it's a way to differentiate themselves from the crowd.

There really isn’t much new information coming out now. I get it’s right next to them but I think they can let Dan go home. Maybe if they didn’t let all of their anchors go they would have people to cover

It was interesting when I saw him work mornings at WCBS knowing he left WABC because of that shift. I can't blame the guy, there's nothing natural about waking up at 2 AM. Studies show it's harmful to the human body. Plus, the difficulty with a station like WABC is that they have so much senior talent who never leave, so you may never get off of a shift. Marcus Solis (if I'm correct) is still, working weekend mornings ---- it could be his choice. Joe Torres (and up until a few years ago Sandra Bookman) is still on weekends (could be his/their choice). Leaving WABC might be just what someone has to do to get a better position, being that their talent stays put. Unfortunately in Waller's case it didn't work out for him. He was better off an AM reporter at Disney than Nexstar & Paramount.

We got another new Spot... WXMI Channel 17.2, replacing Antenna TV with The Spot - Grand Rapids 17. This is me thinking that this is a result of Scripps getting rights the Pistons for WMYD and therefore, spreading it to West Michigan on a new indie sub.

This should go to the court, Disney should party for their right to fight.

KDKA officially announced this morning that the AR/VR set will be coming to Pittsburgh in the first or second week of August.

Did he phrase/execute what he said perfectly? No. Absolutely not. Holding back tears and reading off the teleprompter rarely goes well. But I interpreted it as a "this is a job where we have balanced the mix of reporting the uncomfortable stuff AND the fluff." But there's a web story, and video on literally every station social media platform. If this was a quit in protest, it would not be memorialized like this. Dude is probably just fed up with the alarm clock from morning hours. Also, in 2026 it is smart for a married couple to diversify employers and not rely on the same broadcast/media company for paychecks and health insurance.

Channel 55 re-airing the knicks parade with an "ENCORE PRESENTATION" on the ticker itself

We now have a date as to when The Spot - Nashville 28 on WNPX will begin... June 29th. That'll also be the date NewsChannel 5+ moves from WTVF 5.2 to WNPX itself which will become a mix of NC5+ programs, syndie programs, and Nashville Predators broadcasts. https://www.instagram.com/reel/DZvKV-Gj4LV/?igsh=b25hZncxMXo5MXFo

It looks like the transition for WCOV has begun as they now air WSFA's 9pm news as of tonight, it looks like.

Bill went on GMA to talk about his diagnosis:

Missing from this of course is the reaction from the anchor desk the moment the knicks won (i had been dvring the various 11pm newscasts since i wanted to have the reactions should the knicks have won (of course, they did) but didn't get the whole reaction since the DVR cut off where SNL would've started). 2 was also at the anchor desk when the buzzer sounded and they got pretty emotional there.