Audacy News/Talk 830 WCCO Minneapolis has announced the addition of Vineeta Sawkar as new host of “The Morning News” starting Monday, January 3.
Sawkar spent seventeen years as an anchor and reporter at KSTP-TV Minneapolis from 1995 to 2013. She has since served as a video editor/reporter for the Minneapolis Star-Tribune, Senior Communications Advisor for HealthPartners Institute, and presently as Director of Public Relations for University of St. Thomas in the Twin Cities.
She fills the morning opening that was created by Dave Lee’s retirement this past April after 32 years at WCCO.
Audacy welcomes Vineeta Sawkar as host of “The Morning News with Vineeta Sawkar” on 830 WCCO (WCCO-AM) in Minneapolis. The longtime local anchor will be heard weekdays from 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. CT, beginning January 3, 2022.
“After an extensive search, we are excited to welcome Vineeta to 830 WCCO and are thrilled that the tradition of news and personality in the morning will continue,” said Brad Lane, Brand Manager, 830 WCCO. “Her rich experience, journalistic integrity and warm personality make her the perfect choice to evolve our station’s longstanding tradition of delivering the biggest headlines in the morning while exploring the news and events that matter most to Minnesotans.”
“I’m truly humbled, honored and excited to host ‘The Morning News’ on WCCO,” said Sawkar. “No one can replace Dave Lee. He is a broadcasting legend and a friend as well. This station is so rich with history and memories for so many of us. I hope the ‘Good Neighbor’ station you once listened to in the mornings for school closings is the place you can continue to listen for news and information to get your day started…with some fun, too.”
Sawkar is an Emmy award-winning anchor and broadcast journalist, who joined local TV station KSTP-TV in the summer of 1995. She served as a reporter, weekend news anchor and morning news anchor during her almost 18 years at the station. In addition to this role, she has also previously served as digital reporter with The Star Tribune, and most recently as Director of Public Relations at the University of St. Thomas. Sawkar is a sought-after emcee and speaker for marquee fundraising events in the Twin Cities, and is active in the community; having previously served as board member for Children’s Hospital Association St. Paul, Friends of the St. Paul Public Library, and Circus Juventas. She continues to volunteer as ambassador for the Minnesota Wild’s “Hockey is for Me” initiative to attract children from communities of color to the game of hockey. She succeeds Dave Lee, who retired at the end of April following 32 years in the role.