A Very Sad Diagnosis

Longtime television news anchor and meteorologist Jeriann Ritter is opening up about a life-altering health diagnosis that has personal and professional implications for the veteran broadcaster. In a candid conversation with colleague Keith Murphy, Ritter revealed that she is battling bulbar ALS, a specific form of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis that primarily affects the muscles involved in speech, swallowing, and breathing.

The discussion, originating from WHO 13—the Nexstar-owned station based in Des Moines—detailed the subtle yet persistent symptoms that first raised alarms. Ritter described the progression of the disease, noting how the initial signs often manifest as slurred speech or difficulty with vocal clarity before spreading to other motor functions. Unlike the more common limb-onset ALS, the bulbar variant targets the head and neck early on, posing unique challenges for someone whose career is built on communication.

Ritter and Murphy explored what this diagnosis means for her future behind the anchor desk and her plans for the road ahead. Despite the terminal nature of the illness, Ritter expressed a determination to face the condition with transparency, using her platform to raise awareness for the rare neurological disorder. Her story serves as a poignant reminder of the fragility of health, even for those who have spent decades as a familiar face in the community.

The full, moving account of her journey and her outlook on the future can be viewed in the segment below.