If you’ve lived in the New York tri-state area for any length of time, you probably recognize the name Sade Baderinwa. Or, as many viewers search for her, "Sada." Honestly, it’s one of those names that’s become a staple of the 5 p.m. and 11 p.m. routine. But every so often, people start wondering what happened to Sade on NY Eyewitness News, usually because they missed a broadcast or heard a rumor about her departure.
Here is the thing. Sade Baderinwa hasn’t gone anywhere. She is still a cornerstone of WABC-TV Channel 7, co-anchoring alongside Bill Ritter. She’s been with the station since 2003, which is practically an eternity in the fast-paced world of New York broadcast journalism.
The 2004 Incident That Changed Everything
When people ask what happened to Sade on NY Eyewitness News, they are often actually recalling a terrifying event from decades ago that remains etched in the city's memory. It wasn't a career change. It was a life-threatening accident.
On July 23, 2004, Sade was on location in Hackensack, New Jersey. She was preparing a report on local flooding. While she was standing outside 257 Hudson Street, a hit-and-run driver tore through police lines. The car struck her directly. The impact was devastating. Sade was rendered unconscious immediately.
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The recovery was grueling. We are talking about multiple surgeries and months of intensive physical therapy. For a while, it wasn't clear if she would ever return to the anchor desk. But she did. She made her on-air return on December 13, 2004. Even after she was back on our screens, she was still doing physical therapy five times a week.
Crucial Fact: The driver who struck Sade Baderinwa in the 2004 hit-and-run was never caught. Despite a $5,000 reward and an intense police hunt, the case remains unsolved.
Why Do People Keep Asking If She Left?
It’s a fair question. Usually, these spikes in interest happen for a few reasons. Sometimes she’s away on assignment. Recently, in late 2024, she was in Philadelphia covering the presidential debate. If you weren't watching that specific coverage, you might have noticed her seat at the 11 p.m. desk was empty for a few days.
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Other times, people get names mixed up. Longtime viewers remember Diana Williams retiring in 2019. When a legendary duo breaks up, it feels like the end of an era, and fans often worry the other half will follow suit. But Sade has stayed. She’s transitioned from anchoring with Diana at 5 p.m. to becoming the primary face of the 11 p.m. newscast with Bill Ritter.
Her Career Milestones at WABC-TV
- Joined in 2003: Started as a reporter and anchor for the noon newscast.
- Promoted to 5 p.m.: Teamed up with Diana Williams shortly after joining.
- The 11 p.m. Slot: In 2011, she took over the 11 p.m. slot from Liz Cho, who moved to the 4 p.m. debut.
- Humanitarian Work: She has become a regular moderator at the United Nations for International Women’s Day.
More Than Just a News Anchor
Sade’s impact goes beyond just reading the news. She’s actually turned her personal trauma into a way to help others. After her accident, she became a vocal advocate for hit-and-run victims.
Basically, she’s used her platform to highlight how dangerous New York streets can be. In 2019, she did an exclusive walk-through of Brooklyn’s most dangerous streets with the NYPD Commissioner. She wasn't just reporting; she was asking why these things keep happening. It’s that kind of nuance that makes her more than just a "talking head."
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She has also been recognized on a global scale. Just recently, she was honored with a Humanitarian Impact Award. You might have seen her at the UN General Assembly or participating in the "DigitALL" initiative for gender equality. She’s busy. Like, really busy.
Current Status in 2026
As of early 2026, Sade Baderinwa is still very much a part of the WABC-TV family. She continues to co-anchor the weekday 5 p.m. and 11 p.m. newscasts of Eyewitness News.
If you see someone else in her chair tonight, don't panic. It’s likely just a vacation day or a special assignment. Anchors like Sade have significant seniority, which means they often take on special projects—like her recent deep dives into election cycles or international humanitarian issues.
Actionable Steps for Viewers
- Check the Official Bio: If you’re ever unsure about an anchor's status, the WABC-TV Team Page is the only place for factual updates.
- Follow Social Media: Sade is active on Instagram and Twitter (X). She usually posts when she’s on a special assignment or taking a rare break.
- Watch the 11 p.m. Broadcast: This is her primary slot. If there’s a major staffing change, it’s usually announced during the final segment of the late news.
- Ignore the Rumor Mill: Celebrity "news" sites often use clickbait titles about anchors "leaving" to generate traffic. Stick to verified local news sources.
Sade's story is one of incredible resilience. From surviving a horrific accident to becoming one of the most trusted voices in New York, she’s proven that she isn't easily moved. She’s still here, still reporting, and still an essential part of the New York landscape.