Vic Ratner, who has covered the news for ABC News Radio in 47 countries and 49 states, is retiring as of Tuesday.
Named a general assignment correspondent for ABC News in 1973, he is primarily assigned to cover Congressional activities on Capitol Hill, but also reports on a variety of major news stories for “World News This Morning”, “Good Morning America” and the ABC Radio Networks.
Ratner was the lead Congressional correspondent for ABC Radio’s extensive coverage of the impeachment investigation and trial of President Bill Clinton in 1999. That was his second impeachment assignment; upon joining ABC News, he covered the original Watergate burglary trial and the subsequent investigations, which led to the resignation of President Richard Nixon.
A veteran space reporter, Ratner was the only radio network correspondent on the air live when the space shuttle Challenger blew up. He remained on the air that day for over five hours, providing on-the-scene information and background on the tragedy for ABC News audiences.
Previously Ratner served as correspondent, news director and anchor for radio and television stations in several major cities, including New York and Philadelphia.
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ABC News President Ben Sherwood sent the following note to the news division just before Christmas announcing Ratner's retirement from ABC News Radio at the end of the month.
I am writing with news that Vic Ratner – our legendary work horse, Capitol reporter, war correspondent and space enthusiast – is retiring.
Most careers can be captured in words. Vic’s career is captured in sounds.
In his incredible 40 years on the air for ABC News Radio, Vic has painted vivid pictures for our listeners with a rich and imaginative vocabulary that brought stories to life and gave meaning to “Gemini” and “Apollo” and even “filibuster” and “quorum.” With every syllable, Vic defined and embodied excellence.
When Vic arrived at ABC in 1973, one of his first assignments was the trial of the “Watergate Seven” in Washington. He has covered every presidential campaign, political convention, inauguration and State of the Union since then, plus almost every space shuttle launch. He has reported from 54 countries and 49 states.
For the record book, only South Dakota — the Mt. Rushmore State — has escaped his attention.
Vic wanted to let you know the following:
“I have been fortunate to work with and learn from exceptionally talented and innovative people at ABC. Thanks to all of you for the collaborative effort, which makes us the best.”
Vic’s last day in the office will be December 31. We’ll warmly acknowledge his amazing career at an event in the Washington bureau during the last week of January.
Until then, please join me in thanking Vic for 40 unforgettable years on the air. Also please join me in expressing our gratitude to his wife Judy for sharing Vic all these years. We wish them both the very best in the years ahead.
Ben
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