The Unscripted Life of Rena Sarigianopoulos: From Ohio Penguins to Minnesota’s Murrow-Winning Anchor

For over two decades, Rena Sarigianopoulos has been a compelling voice in local news, a journalist whose presence is both deeply professional and genuinely human.

At KARE 11 in Minneapolis, she has moved beyond simply reporting the news; she’s become a trusted guide through some of the region’s most challenging stories.

This is the story of an award-winning anchor—a woman who once dreamed of being a dentist or in the Air Force—who found her true calling not in a sterile office or a cockpit, but in the fast-paced, unscripted world of television news.

Her career trajectory from small-town Iowa to a major market anchor desk is a testament to her dedication, family support, and unyielding drive.

The National Spotlight: A Career Defined by Hard-Hitting News

A journalist’s reputation is often built on the stories they cover, and for Rena Sarigianopoulos, the foundation is solid rock.

She is celebrated not just for her consistent presence at KARE 11, but for her commitment to powerful, investigative journalism.

Her most significant professional validation came in 2012, when she earned a prestigious National Edward R. Murrow Award for hard news reporting.

This honor, named for the legendary journalist, places her among the elite in American broadcasting and highlights a crucial aspect of her background: a dedication to holding power accountable and telling the stories that matter most.

She is also the recipient of multiple Regional Emmy Awards, underscoring the consistent quality of her work in the Upper Midwest.

These accolades are more than just trophies; they represent hours of relentless digging, sensitive interviewing, and powerful storytelling that impacts communities.

• Key Award: National Edward R. Murrow Award for hard news reporting (2012).

• Ongoing Achievement: Multiple Regional Emmy Awards.

The Path to Minnesota: From Dubuque to the Twin Cities

The journey to anchoring a major-market newscast like KARE 11’s requires patience and a willingness to move up the ladder one market at a time. Rena’s early career milestones demonstrate this grit.

Born in Ohio, Rena began her professional journey after graduating from Youngstown State University—home of the “Fighting Penguins.” She embraces her roots, once stating, “Youngstown will always be my home.”

Her early stops were essential training grounds, building the skills and resilience needed for the pressures of a major market:

• WKBN-TV (Youngstown, OH): Her start, working as a News Producer.

• KFXB-TV (Dubuque, IA): Her first reporting role, gaining essential on-air experience.

• WKOW-TV (Madison, WI): A key market jump, spending over four years as a Reporter.

• WITI (Milwaukee, WI): Anchoring and reporting in a larger market before heading to Minnesota.

In 2005, Rena made the pivotal move to Minneapolis, joining KARE 11. Initially a weekend anchor and reporter, her talent and consistency led to her taking on the KARE 11 anchor role for the 4 p.m. and 5 p.m. news programs, while also reporting for the station’s special projects team, “Extras.”

💖 More Than an Anchor: A Glimpse into Rena’s Personal Life

While her public persona is that of a serious, award-winning journalist, Rena’s life outside the studio is rich with family, passion, and personal challenges. Her candidness about her private life has only strengthened her connection with viewers.

Finding Love and Family

Rena is happily married to Scott, a medical device salesman she wed in 2015. Their wedding, which included a memorable ride over the Hennepin Avenue Bridge, was a celebration of two people who share a deep connection.

Their family grew in 2016 with the arrival of their daughter, Margaret Everly. Rena shared the happy news with KARE 11 viewers, allowing them a small, personal glimpse into her world.

Her focus on Rena Sarigianopoulos children and husband shows her commitment to balance in a demanding industry.

Fun Fact: Rena jokes that they opted not to give their daughter the lengthy Sarigianopoulos last name as a middle name, saying she wouldn’t do that to the poor kid!

The Power of Four Parents

When asked about her idols, Rena’s answer is uniquely moving: “My parents. All of them. I have four (I count step-parents) and each one has taught me something important about life and about being a good person.”

This inclusive view of her parental figures highlights her grounded and grateful nature. Her pride was palpable when she shared her proudest moment: watching her father become a chief of police.

Running Through the Anxiety

In a world where news anchors are expected to be flawlessly confident, Rena has shown remarkable courage by openly discussing her struggles with social anxiety. In a 2022 podcast, she explained how the condition manifests and the strategies she uses to manage it.

• Her Philosophy: “Showing up for people is more important than anything that’s going on in my head.”

This vulnerability resonates deeply with her audience, proving that even a celebrated on-air personality faces human struggles.

She even finds an outlet for her energy and anxiety in her favorite sport: running, noting, “I love to run. Does that count as a sport?”

Fast Facts: Rena Sarigianopoulos at a Glance

For those seeking quick details on Rena Sarigianopoulos age, ethnicity, and other biographical data, here is a concise breakdown:

(Note: Specific date of birth, salary, height, and net worth are proprietary or unverified public figures and are often estimated. As a biographer, we focus on verifiable facts and achievements.)

The Anchor’s Voice: Style and Legacy

Rena’s journalistic style is built on clarity, directness, and an evident passion for history (her favorite subject in school).

She is known for her adaptability, successfully transitioning from in-depth field reporting—a multimedia journalist (MSJ) capable of shooting and editing her own stories—to the steady presence required for the anchor desk.

Her work on the “Extras” team at KARE 11 allows her to delve deeper into subjects, crafting special reports that go beyond the breaking news cycle.

This blend of roles ensures her KARE 11 experience remains diverse and challenging.

She has also taken on side projects, including a stint in radio, co-hosting a morning drive show on K-TWIN 96.3 FM, showcasing her versatility across different media platforms.

This multi-platform approach, along with her active presence on social media, demonstrates a modern journalist’s commitment to reaching the audience wherever they are.

The Future: Rena’s Continuing Impact

With a quarter-century of experience, Rena Sarigianopoulos is firmly established as a cornerstone of Minnesota media.

Her future will likely see her continue to mentor younger journalists, take on more community-focused roles (she often emcees charity events like the Can Do Woofaroo), and anchor KARE 11’s coverage of major events.

Additionally, her combination of award-winning gravitas and approachable honesty ensures she will remain a trusted face in the Twin Cities news landscape for years to come.

Fans searching for “Rena Sarigianopoulos bio” or “KARE 11 news anchor” will find a journalist whose humanity is as impactful as her headlines.

Her Colleagues on KARE 11

Rena works alongside a talented team at KARE 11, including:

• Julie Nelson

• Randy Shaver

• Belinda Jensen

• Sven Sundgaard

Sources

• KARE 11 Official Bio ([Link Suggestion: Internal link to KARE 11 bio page])

• Star Tribune Articles on Wedding and Pregnancy ([Link Suggestion: External link to Star Tribune archives])

• Youngstown State University Alumni Publications ([Link Suggestion: External link to YSU article])

• Various Podcast Appearances (e.g., Take What Serves, Leave the Rest)