“Good journalism is about telling stories that matter to people’s lives.” — Rena Sarigianopoulos
Rena Sarigianopoulos is an American broadcast journalist and anchor at KARE 11 in Minneapolis. She joined the station in 2005 and has since become one of its most recognizable faces.
Known for her sharp reporting and approachable style, she has won multiple regional Emmy Awards and a National Edward R. Murrow Award for hard news reporting in 2012. In May 2026, she was named as the replacement for Belinda Jensen on KARE 11’s Saturday show, marking another milestone in her distinguished career.
Timeline Overview
| Year | Milestone |
|---|---|
| 1973 | Born October 10 in Ohio, USA |
| 1996 | Graduated from Youngstown State University (B.A. Telecommunications) |
| 1996–1997 | Producer at WKBN‑TV in Youngstown, Ohio |
| 1997–1998 | Reporter at KFXB‑TV in Iowa |
| 1998–2002 | Anchor/reporter at WKOW‑TV in Madison, Wisconsin |
| 2002–2005 | Anchor/reporter at WITI‑TV in Milwaukee |
| 2005 | Joined KARE 11 in Minneapolis |
| 2012 | Won National Edward R. Murrow Award for hard news reporting |
| 2026 | Named co‑host of KARE 11’s Saturday show, succeeding Belinda Jensen |
Quick Facts
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Rena Sarigianopoulos |
| Birthdate | October 10, 1973 |
| Birthplace | Ohio, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | Greek heritage |
| Age | 52 years (as of 2025) |
| Height | 5 ft 6 in |
| Education | Youngstown State University – B.A. Telecommunications |
| Profession | Journalist, Anchor, Reporter |
| Employer | KARE 11 (NBC affiliate, Minneapolis) |
| Residence | Minneapolis, Minnesota |
| Years Active | 1996–Present |
| Spouse | Scott (m. 2015) |
| Children | Daughter Maggie (b. 2016) |
| Awards | Edward R. Murrow Award (2012); Regional Emmy Awards |
| Net Worth | Estimated $1–2 million |
| Zodiac Sign | Libra |
Parents, Siblings & Relatives
Rena was born and raised in Ohio. She has four parents—two biological and two step—reflecting a blended family. Her father worked in the police force. She has spoken about the strong moral lessons and values instilled in her by her parents.
Early Life & Education
Sarigianopoulos grew up in Ohio and pursued her passion for communications at Youngstown State University, graduating in 1996 with a degree in telecommunications. Her early exposure to storytelling and broadcasting shaped her career path into journalism.
Career Journey
Rena Sarigianopoulos began her career as a producer at WKBN‑TV in Youngstown, Ohio, before moving into reporting roles at KFXB‑TV in Iowa. She then anchored and reported at WKOW‑TV in Madison, Wisconsin, and later at WITI‑TV in Milwaukee, where she covered major local and national stories. In 2005, she joined KARE 11 in Minneapolis, where she quickly became a trusted anchor and reporter.
Her career reached a high point in 2012 when she won a National Edward R. Murrow Award for hard news reporting, alongside several regional Emmy Awards. Over the years, she has covered breaking news, community stories, and investigative pieces, earning respect for her professionalism and empathy. In May 2026, she was announced as the new co‑host of KARE 11’s Saturday show, succeeding longtime meteorologist Belinda Jensen.
Major Works
- Anchor and reporter at KARE 11 (2005–Present)
- Coverage of breaking news and community stories in Minneapolis
- National Edward R. Murrow Award‑winning hard news report (2012)
Awards & Recognition
- Edward R. Murrow Award (2012) — National recognition for hard news reporting
- Regional Emmy Awards — Multiple wins for excellence in journalism
Public Persona & Style
Rena Sarigianopoulos is known for:
- Warm, approachable on‑air presence
- Sharp, empathetic reporting style
- Dedication to community storytelling
- Professionalism and credibility in journalism
Lifestyle & Personal Insights
She lives in Minneapolis with her husband Scott and their daughter Maggie. Outside of journalism, she enjoys family life and has spoken about the importance of balancing career and motherhood.
Salary & Net Worth
Her estimated net worth is $1–2 million, primarily from her career in broadcasting and long tenure at KARE 11.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Rena Sarigianopoulos? An Emmy Award‑winning journalist and anchor at KARE 11.
What awards has she won? Edward R. Murrow Award (2012) and multiple regional Emmy Awards.
Where does she work? KARE 11 in Minneapolis. Is she married? Yes, to Scott since 2015.
Does she have children? Yes, one daughter named Maggie.
Related Figures
- Belinda Jensen Biography
- Laura Betker Biography
- Chris Hrapsky Biography
- Julie Nelson Biography
- Ben Dery Biography
Legacy
Rena Sarigianopoulos’ legacy lies in her commitment to community‑focused journalism, her award‑winning reporting, and her role as one of the longest‑serving anchors at KARE 11. Her career reflects resilience, professionalism, and a dedication to telling stories that matter.
Sources
- IMDb profile
- Tidings Info biography
- NewsBreak coverage of KARE 11 announcement
Interesting Facts
- She has four parents due to a blended family upbringing.
- Married at St. Mary’s Greek Orthodox Church in Minneapolis in 2015.
- Known for her humor, once joking about the difficulty of spelling her last name when returning to the Saturday show.
- Her father worked in law enforcement, shaping her values of discipline and integrity.