The New Era Of Eyewitness 7 NYC: Inside The Massive Studio Move And Anchor Shake-Ups

The landscape of New York City local news is undergoing a significant transformation, and the most recent shake-ups are centered on WABC-TV Channel 7’s legendary *Eyewitness News* program. As of late 2025, the station has completed a massive, years-in-the-making move to a state-of-the-art facility, marking the end of a decades-long chapter in Manhattan broadcasting history. This physical relocation is paired with a high-profile change at the anchor desk, solidifying a new era for the city’s most-watched news organization. This article provides the most current, in-depth look at the changes impacting *Eyewitness News* on Channel 7, from the new faces at the 11 PM broadcast to the cutting-edge technology of their new home in the burgeoning Hudson Square district. The station, a flagship of the ABC Television Network, continues to dominate the ratings by focusing on hyper-local New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut news, alongside its famous "7 ON YOUR SIDE INVESTIGATES" consumer reporting.

The New Faces and Anchor Desk Shake-Ups (2025 Update)

The most immediate and talked-about change at WABC-TV is the shifting dynamic at the anchor desk, particularly concerning one of the station’s most recognized personalities.

The Bill Ritter Transition and Mike Marza’s New Role

After more than 25 years as a fixture of the late-night broadcast, veteran anchor Bill Ritter stepped down from the *Eyewitness News* 11 PM newscast on March 6, 2025. This highly-publicized transition marks a major moment for the station’s evening programming. Ritter, known for his decades of service and distinctive voice, has not retired entirely; he remains a prominent co-anchor for the earlier *Eyewitness News* at 5 PM. His decision to step back from the late-night slot allows him more flexibility while keeping his presence on the air. Taking over the coveted 11 PM position is Mike Marza, who now co-anchors the broadcast alongside the established and popular Sade Baderinwa. Marza’s promotion to this key time slot is a clear signal of the station’s commitment to its next generation of talent.

The Full Eyewitness News Team: Key Entities

The strength of *Eyewitness News* lies in its deep bench of experienced journalists, meteorologists, and specialists. The station has also recently welcomed new talent and promoted others to key roles, further establishing its topical authority across the Tri-State area. * Main Anchors & Reporters: * Sade Baderinwa: Co-Anchor, 5 PM and 11 PM newscasts. * Bill Ritter: Co-Anchor, 5 PM newscast. * Mike Marza: Co-Anchor, 11 PM newscast (newly appointed). * Sandra Bookman: Recently named the new Noon Anchor. * Shirleen Allicot: Co-Anchor, *Eyewitness News* at Noon and *Eyewitness News This Morning*. * Pedro Rivera: New Anchor/Reporter addition to the team. * Lori Stokes: Anchor (often seen on the morning and noon broadcasts). * Weather Team (Accu-Weather): * Lee Goldberg: Chief/Weeknight Meteorologist, a long-standing and highly trusted figure in New York weather. * Amy Freeze: Weekend Evening Meteorologist. * Sam Champion: Former WABC-TV meteorologist now with ABC’s national Good Morning America, but still a notable figure. * Investigative/Specialty: * 7 ON YOUR SIDE: The dedicated consumer investigative unit, a staple of the program’s community service.

A New Home: The Massive Move to 7 Hudson Square

The most significant physical change for WABC-TV is its relocation from the Upper West Side to a brand-new, purpose-built facility downtown. This move is more than just a change of address; it represents a complete technological and visual overhaul of the station. The station’s previous home, 7 Lincoln Square, had been the broadcast center for *Eyewitness News* since June 1979. For over four decades, this location was synonymous with the Channel 7 brand. The move was part of a larger consolidation by The Walt Disney Company, which owns the ABC Television Network. The new broadcast center is located at 7 Hudson Square (officially 145 Varick Street), a state-of-the-art building completed in 2024. The vanity address, "7 Hudson Square," is a direct homage to the station's iconic Channel 7 designation. This cutting-edge facility is designed to be a hub for all of Disney and ABC’s New York operations, including *ABC World News Tonight with David Muir*. The new studios boast:

• Advanced Technology: Completely modernized control rooms and broadcast equipment for high-definition and 4K production.
• Expansive Sets: Larger, dynamic sets that allow for more elaborate visual storytelling and graphic integration, a key component of the *Eyewitness News* format.
• Strategic Location: Located in the evolving Hudson Square neighborhood, placing the station closer to the financial and tech centers of Lower Manhattan.

This move ensures that *Eyewitness News* remains at the forefront of broadcast innovation, ready to cover the Tri-State area with unparalleled speed and clarity.

The Enduring Legacy of the Eyewitness News Format

To understand the power of Eyewitness 7 NYC, one must appreciate the revolutionary format it pioneered. WABC-TV is best known in broadcasting circles for its highly successful adaptation of the *Eyewitness News* format, which fundamentally changed local television news across the United States.

The Birth of a Newscast Style

The *Eyewitness News* style, introduced in the late 1960s, was a radical departure from the older, more formal "man-on-camera" style of news delivery. It emphasized visual elements, action video, and a conversational, warmer approach from the anchors. This format was designed to make the news more accessible and engaging to a broader audience. The original faces of this successful experiment at Channel 7 were Roger Grimsby and Bill Beutel, who co-anchored the broadcast for sixteen years starting in 1968. Grimsby, in particular, was famous for his distinctive opening tagline, setting a casual yet authoritative tone that resonated deeply with New Yorkers.

Topical Authority and Community Focus

Today, *Eyewitness News* maintains its topical authority by focusing on the issues that matter most to local residents. Recent coverage highlights include:

• In-depth reporting on the complex issues of New York City traffic and subway safety.
• Comprehensive Accu-Weather coverage, essential for a region prone to severe winter storms and coastal weather events.
• Persistent investigative reports through the 7 ON YOUR SIDE unit, tackling consumer fraud, government waste, and public safety issues.
• Coverage of major regional stories, such as the recent investigations into sinkholes in New Jersey and the impact of health insurance plan changes for New Yorkers.

The combination of a powerful, long-standing brand, a new high-tech home in 7 Hudson Square, and a refreshed anchor lineup with figures like Mike Marza and Sade Baderinwa ensures that *Eyewitness 7 NYC* will continue to be the dominant force in Tri-State area local news for years to come. The station remains the go-to source for breaking news alerts and in-depth reporting across all its platforms.