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WCCO-TV (channel 4), branded CBS Minnesota, is a television station licensed to Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States, serving the Twin Cities area. It is owned and operated by the CBS television network through its CBS News and Stations division, and maintains studios on South 11th Street along Nicollet Mall in downtown Minneapolis; its transmitter is located at the Telefarm complex in Shoreview, Minnesota.

Key Information

WCCO-TV's programming is also seen on full-power satellite station KCCW-TV (channel 12) in Walker (with transmitter near Hackensack). Nielsen Media Research treats WCCO-TV and KCCW-TV as one station in local ratings books, using the identifier name WCCO+. From 1987 until 2017, WCCO-TV operated a second satellite, KCCO-TV (virtual and VHF digital channel 7) in Alexandria (with transmitter near Westport).

WCCO is one of three owned-and-operated network affiliates in the Twin Cities market, the others being Fox O&O KMSP-TV (channel 9) and MyNetworkTV O&O WFTC (channel 9.2).

History

[edit]
The WCCO building in downtown Minneapolis

WCCO-TV's roots originate with a radio station, but not WCCO (830 AM). WRHM, which signed on the air in 1925, is the radio station to which WCCO-TV traces its lineage. In 1934, two newspapers—the Minneapolis Tribune and the Saint Paul Pioneer Press-Dispatch—formed a joint venture by the name of "Twin Cities Newspapers", which purchased the radio station and changed its call letters to WTCN. Twin Cities Newspapers later expanded into the fledgling FM band with WTCN-FM, and shortly thereafter to the then-new medium of television with the launch of WTCN-TV on July 1, 1949, becoming Minnesota's second television station, broadcasting from the Radio City Theater at 50 South 9th Street in downtown Minneapolis. The station's first president was Robert Ridder.[2] Channel 4 has been a primary CBS affiliate since its sign on; it is the only major commercial station in the Minneapolis–St. Paul market not to have changed its primary affiliation. However, it had a secondary affiliation with ABC during its early years, from 1949 to 1953,[3] until a new station using the WTCN-TV calls (now KARE-TV) picked up the ABC affiliation, retaining it from its 1953 sign on until 1961 when it became an independent station; it has been affiliated with NBC since 1979.

Twin Cities Newspapers sold off its broadcast holdings in 1952, with channel 4 going to the Murphy and McNally families, who had recently bought the Twin Cities' dominant radio station, WCCO, from CBS. The stations merged under a new company, Midwest Radio and Television, with CBS as a minority partner. The call letters of channel 4 were changed to WCCO-TV to match its new radio sibling on August 17 (the WTCN-TV call sign appeared again in the market the following year on the new channel 11).[4] CBS was forced to sell its minority ownership stake in the WCCO stations in 1954 to comply with Federal Communications Commission ownership limits of the time.

The station began telecasting color programs in 1955. In 1959, WCCO became the first station in the Midwest to have a videotape machine; it came at a cost of $50,000 and one part-time employee was hired to operate the machine.[5]

On July 23, 1962, WCCO-TV was involved in the world's first live international broadcast via the Telstar satellite; the station's mobile units provided the feed for all three networks, ABC, CBS, and NBC, for a program originating from native land in the Black Hills showing Mount Rushmore to the world.

During the fall of 1979, WCCO-TV and radio experienced a labor dispute when the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW), the union representing many of the stations' technical and production personnel, went on strike. Despite the walkout, the stations maintained their daily broadcast schedules, utilizing non-striking employees, including management and news personnel, to cover the essential functions. For WCCO-TV, this meant that news director Ron Handberg and anchor Skip Loescher were notably involved in producing and presenting the news, as seen in broadcasts from the period.[6]

The "Circle 4" logo used by WCCO-TV from 1977 to 2000

In September 1983, WCCO relocated its operations from its original studios on South 9th Street to the present location at South 11th Street and Nicollet Mall. The network gained full ownership of WCCO-TV in 1992, when it acquired what was by then known as Midwest Communications.[7] In 2000, Viacom bought CBS, and WCCO became part of the Viacom Television Stations Group. In 2006, Viacom Television Stations Group was renamed CBS Television Stations when Viacom split into two companies.

During the 1980s, a cable-exclusive sibling station was created to supplement WCCO, with its own slate of local and national entertainment programming. This was known as WCCO II, but by 1989, it had evolved into the Midwest Sports Channel, focusing on regional sporting events. It continued under CBS ownership until 2000, when it was announced that MSC and sibling RSN Home Team Sports were to be sold. HTS went to Comcast, while MSC was sold to Fox Entertainment Group and became Fox Sports North, a part of Fox Sports Net. MSC had been an FSN affiliate since 1997.

On February 2, 2017, CBS agreed to sell CBS Radio to Entercom, currently the fourth-largest radio broadcasting company in the United States. The sale was completed on November 17, 2017,[8] and was conducted using a Reverse Morris Trust so that it was tax-free. While CBS shareholders retained a 72% ownership stake in the combined company, Entercom, now Audacy, is the surviving entity, with WCCO radio and its sibling stations separated from WCCO-TV.[9][10]

On August 13, 2019, National Amusements announced that Viacom and CBS Corporation would recombine their assets, forming the entity ViacomCBS. The sale was completed on December 4, 2019, resulting in CBS Television Stations, including WCCO-TV, becoming subsidiaries of ViacomCBS. On February 16, 2022, ViacomCBS changed its name to Paramount Global.

On August 14, 2023, Wendy McMahon, a former creative services director at WCCO-TV, was named CBS News and Stations president.

Programming

[edit]

Sports programming

[edit]

In 1961, with the establishment of the Minnesota Vikings of the National Football League, the station, via CBS, which held the rights to broadcast NFL games, became the 'unofficial' home station of the team. This partnership continued through the 1993 season, at which time most games were moved to WFTC. Today, most Vikings games are on KMSP-TV; since 1998, WCCO airs at least two Vikings games each season when the Vikings host an AFC team, or, since 2014, with the institution of the new 'cross-flex' rules, any games that are moved from KMSP-TV. In 1992, WCCO provided coverage of Super Bowl XXVI and that year's Final Four, which were hosted at the Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome.

Since 2023, WCCO has aired select Minnesota Golden Gophers football games as a part of a new deal between CBS and the Big Ten Conference.

News operation

[edit]

WCCO presently[when?] broadcasts 38+1⁄2 hours of locally produced newscasts each week (with 6+1⁄2 hours each weekday and three hours each on Saturdays and Sundays).[citation needed] WCCO leads the Twin Cities market in nearly all time slots, from its morning show to the 10 p.m. news. WCCO leads by large margins in overall households, though compared to the 25–54 demographic, the numbers are much more competitive with NBC affiliate KARE.

WCCO began broadcasting local newscasts in high-definition on May 28, 2009, becoming the third major network station in the Twin Cities (behind KARE and KMSP) to do so.

WCCO-TV launched a streaming news service, CBSN Minnesota (now CBS News Minnesota) on December 12, 2019, as part of a rollout of similar services (each a localized version of the national CBSN service across the CBS-owned stations).[11]

On September 5, 2022, WCCO premiered an hour-long 4 p.m. newscast called The 4.[12][13]

Notable former on-air staff

[edit]

Technical information

[edit]

Subchannels

[edit]

The stations' signals are multiplexed:

Subchannels of WCCO-TV[15] and KCCW-TV[16]
Channel Res. Aspect Short name Programming
WCCO-TV KCCW-TV WCCO-TV KCCW-TV
4.1 12.1 1080i 16:9 WCCO-DT KCCW-DT CBS
4.2 12.2 480i WCCODT2 KCCWDT2 Start TV
4.3 12.3 WCCODT3 KCCWDT3 Dabl
4.4 12.4 WCCODT4 KCCWDT4 Fave TV
4.5 12.5 WCCODT5 KCCWDT5 Nosey

Analog-to-digital conversion

[edit]

WCCO-TV ended regular programming on its analog signal, over VHF channel 4, on June 12, 2009, the official date on which full-power television stations in the United States transitioned from analog to digital broadcasts under federal mandate. The station's digital signal remained on its pre-transition UHF channel 32, using virtual channel 4.[17]

As part of the SAFER Act, WCCO-TV kept its analog signal on the air until July 12 to inform viewers of the digital television transition through a loop of public service announcements from the National Association of Broadcasters.[18]

Satellite stations and translators

[edit]

WCCO-TV operates a satellite station northwest of the Twin Cities area:

Station City of license
First air date Former call letters ERP HAAT Transmitter coordinates Facility ID Public license information
KCCW-TV Walker 12 (12) January 1, 1964 KNMT (1964–1987) 59 kW 286.4 m (940 ft) 46°56′5″N 94°27′20″W / 46.93472°N 94.45556°W / 46.93472; -94.45556 (KCCW-TV) 9640 Public file
LMS

It formerly operated a second satellite station:

Station City of license
  • Channel
  • TV (RF)
 First air date Last air date Former call letters ERP HAAT Transmitter coordinates Facility ID
KCCO-TV Alexandria 7 (7) October 8, 1958 (1958-10-08)
  • December 30, 2017 (2017-12-30)
  • (59 years, 83 days)
 KCMT (1958–1987) 29 kW 339.6 m (1,114 ft) 45°41′10″N 95°8′4″W / 45.68611°N 95.13444°W / 45.68611; -95.13444 (KCCO-TV) 9632

Both of these stations were founded by the Central Minnesota Television Company and maintained primary affiliations with NBC and secondary affiliations with ABC from their respective sign-ons until the summer of 1982, when both stations switched to CBS.[19][20] KCMT had originally broadcast from a studio in Alexandria, with KNMT operating as a satellite station of KCMT. Central Minnesota Television sold both stations to Midwest Radio and Television in 1987, at which point they adopted their present call letters and became semi-satellites of WCCO-TV.[21]

Until 2002, the two stations simulcast WCCO-TV's programming for most of the day, except for separate commercials and inserts placed into channel 4's newscasts. However, in 2002, WCCO-TV ended KCCO/KCCW's local operations and shut down the Alexandria studio, converting the two stations into full-time satellites. Since then, channel 4 has identified as "Minneapolis–St. Paul/Alexandria/Walker", with virtually no on-air evidence that KCCO and KCCW were separate stations.

CBS sold KCCO's spectrum in the FCC's spectrum incentive auction, but was expected to engage in a channel-sharing agreement.[22] In a request for a waiver of requirements that KCCO broadcast public service announcements related to the shutdown (as the station no longer had the capability to originate separate programming, such announcements would also need to air on WCCO-TV and KCCW-TV despite not being relevant outside of KCCO's viewing area; CBS inserted a crawl at the KCCO transmitter for broadcast every fifteen minutes), CBS disclosed that KCCO would shut down December 30, 2017. WCCO-TV remains available on cable and satellite providers in the Alexandria area; Selective TV, Inc., a local translator collective, announced on December 22, 2017, that it had struck a deal to add WCCO to its lineup.[23][24][25]

Translators

[edit]

In addition, the broadcast signal of WCCO-TV is extended by way of eight translators:

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

WCCO-TV

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
WCCO-TV, virtual channel 4 (UHF digital channel 32), is a television station licensed to , , , serving as the for the television market of . The station is a flagship property of the group, a division of Broadcasting Inc., which is ultimately controlled by Paramount Skydance following its 2025 merger with Skydance Media. WCCO-TV maintains studios on South 11th Street along in downtown and its transmitter is located at the Telefarm complex in . The station traces its roots to WTCN-TV, which signed on the air on July 1, 1949, as the second commercial television station in the Twin Cities, signing on channel 4. In 1952, WCCO radio acquired WTCN-TV and changed the call sign to WCCO-TV while adopting a primary affiliation with CBS, which it has maintained continuously since then as one of the network's longest-running affiliates. CBS acquired full ownership of WCCO-TV in 1992 through its purchase of Midwest Communications for $178.6 million, transforming it into a network-owned station. WCCO-TV, branded on-air as CBS Minnesota, is recognized for its extensive local news coverage, including the market-leading WCCO This Morning and evening newscasts, as well as investigative reporting through programs like Reality Check. The station has earned multiple regional for its and community engagement initiatives, such as coverage of events and affairs. It also simulcasts network programming while operating digital subchannels for (4.2) and Weigel Broadcasting's (4.3).

History

Early years and launch

WCCO-TV traces its origins to July 1, 1949, when it signed on as WTCN-TV on VHF in , becoming the second commercial television station in the market after . Owned by Twin Cities Newspapers, a of the Star and , the station was granted its construction permit in 1948 amid the post-World War II boom in broadcasting licenses. Its initial transmitter was located atop the , the tallest building in at the time, providing coverage to the metropolitan area. From its launch, WTCN-TV operated with a primary affiliation to the Television Network and a secondary tie to ABC, supplementing these with occasional DuMont Network programs, as network feeds were limited by the era's infrastructure that had not yet fully connected the Midwest to East Coast origins. Early programming emphasized live local content to fill airtime, including variety shows, talent contests, and community events, produced from temporary studios before a permanent move in September 1949 to the newly renovated Radio City Theater at 9th Street and LaSalle Avenue in downtown . The station's inaugural broadcast featured a mix of network premieres and local dedications, reflecting the technological constraints of postwar television where black-and-white transmissions dominated and live production relied on bulky equipment. In 1952, Newspapers merged its broadcast properties with the crosstown WCCO radio station, forming Midwest Radio and Television Company, with holding a minority stake; the television outlet adopted the WCCO-TV call letters that October while retaining channel 4. This shift solidified its ties, culminating in a full-time affiliation by 1953 following the launch of a new ABC outlet on channel 11 (initially shared by WTCN-TV and WMIN-TV). During this first decade, the station pioneered local coverage of cultural events. The station also experimented with color broadcasting in the mid-1950s, achieving a on October 8, 1954, when the children's program Axel and His Dog became the first locally produced show in the aired in color, using experimental RCA equipment ahead of widespread adoption.

Ownership changes and affiliations

WCCO-TV began operations in 1949 as WTCN-TV, but in 1952, Newspapers sold the station to WCCO Inc., the owners of the established WCCO-AM radio station, prompting a change to the WCCO-TV call letters to align with the radio outlet's branding. This acquisition created an early radio-television under , reflecting the era's trend toward integrated broadcast operations. The station has held a primary CBS affiliation since its 1949 launch, with exclusivity solidified in 1953 after relinquishing secondary ABC programming, a shift that eliminated mixed-network carriage common in the early television years. In the 1950s, temporary duopoly-like elements emerged through Midwest Radio and Television's (formed post-1952 merger) joint operations with other local outlets, such as the shared use of Channel 11 by WTCN-TV and WMIN-TV following a partial asset reconfiguration, though WCCO-TV focused primarily on its CBS commitments. This stability in network ties has persisted, positioning WCCO-TV as a cornerstone CBS outlet in the Minneapolis-St. Paul market. A pivotal ownership shift occurred in when Inc. acquired Midwest Communications for $178.6 million, gaining full control of WCCO-TV and transforming it into a owned-and-operated (O&O) station alongside assets like in Green Bay. The approved the deal amid deregulation efforts, including proposals to relax national TV ownership caps from 12 to potentially unlimited stations and ease local radio-TV cross-ownership restrictions, enabling 's expansion into key markets. These policy changes, culminating in the , facilitated broader media consolidation and strengthened 's portfolio of O&Os. Under the post-2019 Viacom-CBS merger forming ViacomCBS (rebranded in 2022), WCCO-TV integrated into enhanced corporate frameworks, including shared services across CBS Television Stations such as centralized news production resources and operational efficiencies with sister O&Os like in . This structure, formalized in 2021 with the unification of divisions, has supported content collaboration and cost-sharing while maintaining local autonomy. On August 7, 2025, completed its merger with , with WCCO-TV continuing operations under the new entity.

Key milestones and innovations

One of the earliest technological milestones for WCCO-TV occurred on July 23, 1962, when the station participated in the world's first live transatlantic television broadcast via the , originating feeds from that linked the to for a multinational audience. This event marked a pioneering step in satellite communications, allowing real-time transmission of local imagery and programming across continents for the first time. In the 1960s, WCCO-TV transitioned to , aligning with the national shift toward that enhanced visual storytelling for news and entertainment programs. The station further advanced its technical capabilities by launching high-definition local newscasts on May 28, 2009, improving clarity and viewer experience in an era of digital transition. WCCO-TV provided extensive coverage of the ' 1987 World Series victory, including live reports from the Metrodome and the subsequent championship parade on , 1987, capturing the historic first title for the franchise in front of over 650,000 fans. Similarly, during the devastating 1997 Red River floods, the station broadcast multiple stories in April and May, documenting the record-breaking inundation that displaced thousands across and and caused over $300 million in damages. In 2023, WCCO-TV rebranded as to better reflect its expanded regional focus and integration with platforms, emphasizing comprehensive coverage of the and Greater . This change, under ownership since 1992, supported enhanced digital streaming and multi-platform delivery. To commemorate its 75th anniversary in 2024, WCCO-TV aired a one-hour special on July 1 featuring archival retrospectives, interviews with longtime staff, and highlights of 75 years of service to communities, underscoring the station's role in documenting regional . The celebrations included ongoing archival series and viewer engagement initiatives, reinforcing the station's legacy of innovation and public service.

Programming

Network and syndicated content

WCCO-TV, as the CBS owned-and-operated station in Minneapolis–Saint Paul, carries the full primetime lineup of CBS network programming, featuring dramas such as NCIS, FBI, and Tracker, comedies like Ghosts and The Neighborhood, and reality series including Survivor and The Amazing Race, typically airing from 7:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. Central Time on weekdays. The station also broadcasts CBS daytime soaps, including The Young and the Restless at 12:00 p.m. and The Bold and the Beautiful at 1:00 p.m., alongside game shows like The Price Is Right in late mornings. Late-night programming includes The Late Show with Stephen Colbert at 10:35 p.m., followed by episodes of Comics Unleashed starting at 11:37 p.m., while weekends feature news magazines such as 60 Minutes on Sundays at 6:00 p.m. and public affairs shows like Face the Nation. In addition to network content, WCCO-TV airs syndicated staples in access and fringe time slots, such as Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy! during the 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. window before local news, and game shows including The Perfect Line at 3:00 p.m. following a September 2025 schedule revamp. These programs, distributed through CBS Media Ventures, fill key viewer draw periods and have been consistent fixtures on the station's schedule. The station presents seasonal CBS specials, such as holiday movies during December programming blocks and, historically, the , which aired annually on CBS affiliates like WCCO-TV from until 2023. Adjustments to the network schedule occur for local needs, including preemptions for extended coverage during major events like or breaking stories, ensuring timely community updates while minimizing disruptions to core programming. Since signing on as a affiliate on July 11, 1952—following an earlier stint as WTCN-TV from 1949—WCCO-TV's programming has evolved from the era of network dominance, where affiliates aired up to 80% national content with limited local inserts, to a balanced modern lineup integrating syndicated fare and digital extensions. Today, programming on WCCO-TV complements streaming options via Paramount+, where subscribers with the Premium plan can access live feeds of the station alongside on-demand episodes of network shows, enhancing viewer flexibility amid trends.

Local original programming

WCCO-TV has produced several long-running series that highlight aspects of daily life and regional interests in . One prominent example is the segments within "The 4," a weekday afternoon program launched in September 2022, which features content on community impact, family activities, and outdoor experiences tailored to local audiences. Another enduring feature is "Finding Minnesota," a weekly series hosted by John Lauritsen since at least 2019, that explores hidden gems, historical sites, and unique communities across the state, airing Wednesdays on the station. The station's community affairs programming includes public service announcements promoting local initiatives and holiday specials that foster regional traditions. WCCO produces PSAs in collaboration with organizations like the Minnesota Assistance Council for Veterans (MACV), focusing on topics such as veteran support and public health awareness. A key holiday special is "Home for the Holidays," an annual event in partnership with MACV since at least 2018, which provides housing, meals, and resources to homeless veterans, culminating in live broadcasts and community gatherings. The "Goin' to the Lake" series, a summer road trip format running annually since the early 2000s, showcases cabin country destinations, water activities, and local eateries, often hosted by station anchors like Frank Vascellaro and Heather Brown. In its history of children's programming, WCCO-TV has offered locally produced shows that entertained and educated young viewers, particularly from the 1950s through the 1970s. Notable examples include "Axel and His Dog," a puppet show starring Clellan Card that aired from 1954 to 1966, featuring storytelling and songs for audiences, and "Clancy the Cop," a 1960s series with Don Stolz as the titular character promoting safety and community values. More recently, the station complies with FCC educational/informational (E/I) requirements by airing syndicated blocks like "CBS WKND" on weekend mornings, which include short-form local educational content on topics such as environmental awareness and history, integrated into the national feed since the early 2010s. WCCO-TV provides extensive coverage of special events that celebrate Minnesota's cultural heritage, including live broadcasts from the since the station's early years. The fair coverage, ongoing annually since 1949, features on-site reporting from the WCCO booth, highlighting food vendors, agricultural exhibits, and entertainment, with multi-day live newscasts from the fairgrounds. Similar programming extends to cultural festivals, such as virtual adaptations of events like the Aquatennial during restrictions. Post-2020, WCCO introduced virtual community events in response to the , adapting traditional formats for online audiences. In 2020, the station promoted and broadcast virtual versions of local celebrations, including the Holidazzle holiday lights display and Aquatennial activities, offering streamed content on community traditions and family engagement to maintain connections during lockdowns. These efforts included special segments like "COVID-19 News for Kids" in March 2020, providing age-appropriate explanations and virtual activity ideas.

Sports coverage

WCCO-TV serves as the primary broadcaster for Minnesota Vikings preseason games in the Twin Cities area, airing them as part of ' national agreements with the . These broadcasts include pregame analysis starting 30 minutes before kickoff, featuring local sports anchors like Mike Max to provide regional insights alongside national coverage. During the 1970s and 1980s, WCCO-TV held local broadcasting rights for Golden Gophers football and men's games, often in collaboration with network selections for Big Ten matchups. This era included coverage of notable seasons, such as the 1981-82 Gophers team's Big Ten championship, with play-by-play and highlights integrated into the station's weekend programming. As a affiliate, the station also aired select national telecasts of Gophers games during CBS's contracts. WCCO-TV provided extensive coverage of Major League Baseball's through CBS's national broadcast contracts, spanning the 1960s to the 1990s. Under these agreements, the station aired Game of the Week selections and postseason games when the Twins were featured, contributing to local fan engagement during the team's 1987 and appearances. Local pre- and post-game segments on WCCO-TV complemented the national feeds, featuring analysis from station sportscasters. The station has long produced local sports magazine programming, including the iconic Rosen's Sports Sunday, which ran for 35 years from 1981 to 2016 and featured interviews, analysis, and highlights from professional and college games. Hosted by longtime sports director Mark Rosen, the show often included pre- and post-game breakdowns for and Twins contests, drawing over 3,000 guests and becoming a staple for sports enthusiasts. Current equivalents include weekly segments with in-depth recaps and expert commentary. In recent years, WCCO-TV has expanded its digital offerings through partnerships, launching streaming of high school sports content in 2024 via the app, , and WCCO.com. This includes live streams and on-demand highlights from the High School Sports Rally series, which airs weekly and covers statewide football, basketball, and other events, enhancing accessibility for young athletes and fans.

News and public affairs

News department structure

The news department at WCCO-TV operates as a key component of , providing comprehensive local coverage within the broader framework. Led by a and news director, the department emphasizes collaborative reporting across beats including general assignment, weather, and investigations, supported by producers, assignment editors, and technical staff to deliver timely content across broadcast and digital platforms. WCCO-TV maintains a 24/7 news operation through its streaming service, CBS News , which offers continuous coverage of breaking news, weather updates, and local stories for the Minneapolis-St. Paul designated market area (DMA). Flagship programs include "WCCO 4 News This Morning," airing weekdays from 4:30 to 10 a.m. in segments that incorporate both local anchors and ; evening newscasts at 5 p.m., 6 p.m., and 10 p.m.; and weekend editions totaling three hours of dedicated programming on Saturdays and Sundays. These formats prioritize live reporting, community-focused segments, and integration with national feeds to balance local relevance with network resources. For weather and breaking news, the department employs advanced tools such as interactive systems for the area and regional , enabling real-time tracking of severe conditions like storms or tornadoes. Mobile news units facilitate on-scene reporting, allowing crews to transmit live video from remote locations during events such as emergencies or public gatherings. Digital integration extends to the app, where viewers access live streams, alerts, and on-demand clips alongside traditional broadcasts. In Nielsen ratings for the Minneapolis-St. Paul DMA, WCCO-TV's news programs have demonstrated market dominance, particularly in morning and evening slots; for instance, the 10 p.m. newscast led both total viewers (6.1 household rating) and adults 25-54 (1.3 rating) in the November 2022 sweeps period. Historical data from earlier sweeps, such as May 2012, showed the station ranking first at 5 a.m., 6 a.m., noon, 5 p.m., 6 p.m., and 10 p.m., establishing a pattern of strong performance, with the station leading in key slots as of November 2022. The investigative unit, known as WCCO Investigates, specializes in in-depth reporting on local issues, including government corruption as seen in coverage of the Feeding Our Future fraud scandal involving millions in misused federal funds, and environmental concerns through examinations of regional policy impacts. This team collaborates with general reporters to produce segments that drive accountability, often leading to legislative responses, such as bills inspired by probes into crime gun tracing. Digital expansion has been a priority since the launch of the Minnesota streaming platform in December 2019, which provides 24/7 access to newscasts, original content, and an archive of local stories via the CBS News app, Pluto TV, and WCCO.com. This service, rebranded from CBSN Minnesota following a 2021 network-wide update, enhances accessibility for cord-cutters and integrates seamlessly with over-the-air broadcasts to broaden reach in the market.

On-air personalities

The on-air personalities at WCCO-TV have played a pivotal role in delivering local news to the audience, with a mix of veteran anchors, investigative reporters, and meteorologists who have covered everything from breaking weather events to community stories. Current evening anchors include Frank Vascellaro, who solo anchors the 5 p.m. and 10 p.m. newscasts while co-anchoring the 6 p.m. edition, and his wife, Amelia Santaniello, who anchors the 4 p.m. show and joins him at 6 p.m. after a 2025 schedule shift that reduced their joint appearances. Their long partnership, spanning nearly two decades, has emphasized collaborative storytelling on issues like regional politics and public safety. Meteorologists Chris Shaffer and Lisa Meadows are key figures in the NEXT Weather team, providing forecasts for evening broadcasts and alerts; Shaffer, a chief , often leads coverage of Minnesota's volatile climate, while Meadows delivers detailed evening reports. The full weather team also includes Mike Augustyniak as morning , Joseph Dames on weekends and weekdays, Adam Del Rosso for weekend mornings, and Katie Steiner for midday updates, contributing to WCCO's reputation for accurate, community-focused weather journalism. Notable former staff include , WCCO's longest-serving anchor from 1978 to 2010, who anchored the 5 p.m., 6 p.m., and 10 p.m. newscasts and covered major events such as the 1998 Comfrey-St. Peter tornado outbreak, providing on-the-ground reporting that informed evacuations and recovery efforts. Sports personality Sid Hartman, active from the 1940s until his death in 2020, contributed TV segments alongside his radio and print work, offering insider analysis on athletics and professional teams that shaped local sports discourse. Recent departures include Jason DeRusha, who anchored mornings from 2011 to 2022 before transitioning to a contributing role focused on special projects and community engagement. In 2025, WCCO hired investigative reporter Conor Wight from CNY Central in , where he spent five years covering public corruption and consumer issues; his arrival bolsters the station's emphasis on in-depth local investigations. WCCO has advanced diversity in its on-air through targeted hiring, exemplified by trailblazers like Pat Miles, who in 1978 became one of the first female co-anchors at the station alongside Shelby for weekend news, breaking gender barriers in a male-dominated field. Current diverse personalities include reporters Ubah Ali, who covers community and immigration stories as a Somali-American , and Erin Hassanzadeh, an Emmy-winning focusing on investigative pieces, reflecting ongoing efforts to represent Minnesota's multicultural population as outlined in the station's annual EEO reports.

Awards and impact

WCCO-TV's news team has earned multiple Upper Midwest Regional Emmy Awards for excellence in , including four wins in 2023 for categories such as best evening newscast covering a event. In 2025, WCCO received additional Upper Midwest Regional Emmy Awards, including for the program "Vietnam: 50 Years Later." The station has also received recognition for investigative reporting on pressing issues, such as its 2023 series on Minnesota's fentanyl crisis, which highlighted the epidemic's toll on families and communities through on-the-ground reporting and survivor stories. In 2021, WCCO-TV was nominated for an Upper Midwest Regional Emmy for its coverage titled "George Floyd: How Protests Sparked a Community Movement," documenting the social and activist responses to the 2020 events. The station has been honored with Awards from the Radio Television Digital News Association, including a 2016 regional win for overall excellence in its late-evening newscast, particularly for in-depth reporting on a high-profile local tragedy. These accolades underscore WCCO-TV's commitment to rigorous, impactful news coverage that has shaped public awareness in . Beyond journalistic honors, WCCO-TV has made significant contributions through partnerships with nonprofits, fostering literacy programs, disaster relief efforts, and volunteer initiatives. For instance, its annual Day of Service collaboration with , now in its 15th year as of 2025, mobilizes volunteers for projects benefiting over 46 organizations, including meal packing and trail cleanups to support local needs. The station's long-term alliance with the Minnesota Assistance for Veterans has raised nearly $5 million in viewer donations since 2017 to aid housing and support services, culminating in a 2025 Minnesota Superior Service Award for community leader Ann Ouellette. WCCO-TV's has influenced local politics and culture by prompting policy reforms through exposés on and safety issues. A 2025 investigation into outdated standards for workers led to legislative updates enhancing protections in . Similarly, reporting on gaps in prevention contributed to the introduction of a new state bill aimed at reducing risks. In , as part of its 75th celebrations, WCCO-TV produced retrospectives on its historical reporting, including a one-hour special featuring archival footage of landmark stories that reinforced the station's enduring role in Minnesota's public discourse.

Technical information

Subchannels and

WCCO-TV utilizes digital ing to provide multiple subchannels on its 4 allocation, transmitted over physical UHF channel 32 following the digital transition. The station's (PSIP) maps these as 4.x , allowing viewers with digital tuners to access distinct programming streams within the standard 6 MHz bandwidth of a single ATSC channel. The primary channel occupies the bulk of the bandwidth to support high-definition broadcasting, while subchannels operate in standard definition, typically allocating 2–3 Mbps each from the remaining capacity after compression for the main feed. The subchannels feature a mix of syndicated networks owned or affiliated with CBS, focusing on lifestyle, drama, and family-oriented content to complement the main CBS schedule.
Virtual ChannelResolutionProgrammingDescription
4.11080i (16:9)CBSThe primary feed airs CBS network programming, local news, and WCCO-produced content in high definition.
4.2480i (16:9)Start TVThis Weigel Broadcasting network, launched on WCCO-TV in September 2018, specializes in classic crime dramas and mysteries featuring female leads, such as Murder, She Wrote and The Closer.
4.3480i (16:9)DablA CBS-owned lifestyle network that debuted on WCCO-TV in September 2019, offering empowering content for women, including cooking shows like Emeril, home improvement series, and reality programs such as Undercover Boss.
4.4480i (16:9)Fave TVLaunched quietly by CBS in December 2020, this multicast network airs family-friendly sitcoms and comedies from classic eras, including titles like The Brady Bunch and Family Ties, targeting multigenerational audiences.
4.5480i (16:9)NoseyA digital multicast network featuring classic daytime talk shows such as Jerry Springer and Maury, launched on WCCO-TV in May 2024.

Digital transition and signal

WCCO-TV completed its full-power transition from analog to on , , as required by the Federal Communications Commission's nationwide mandate for all full-power television stations to cease analog transmissions and operate solely in digital format. The station's analog signal on VHF was discontinued at that time, while its remained on UHF channel 32 using PSIP 4.1 to maintain continuity for viewers. This shift enabled enhanced picture quality, additional subchannels, and more efficient spectrum use, aligning with the broader goals of the DTV transition to free up analog frequencies for public safety communications. The transmitter for WCCO-TV's digital signal is located at the Telefarm Towers in , approximately 10 miles north of downtown . This site supports robust coverage across the Minneapolis-Saint Paul designated market area (DMA), reaching an estimated 1.89 million television households and serving a of over 3.8 million within its primary contour. The facility's () is 1,000 kW in the horizontal polarization and 250 kW in the vertical, with a () of 455.9 meters (1,496 feet), allowing reliable over-the-air reception throughout the Twin Cities metro and surrounding counties. Post-transition, the station's digital infrastructure supported advancements in broadcast technology, including high-definition programming and multicast capabilities on its primary channel. WCCO-TV's over-the-air signal remains available on physical UHF channel 32, receivable with standard digital tuners or antennas in the DMA. On cable systems, it is widely carried, such as on Xfinity (Comcast) channel 4 for standard definition and channel 804 for high definition, ensuring accessibility for subscribers without over-the-air equipment.

Satellite stations and translators

WCCO-TV extends its over-the-air signal to rural and northern through its full-power station KCCW-TV ( 12) in Walker, with a transmitter near Hackensack. KCCW-TV signed on as KNMT on January 1, 1989, initially operating as a semi- of KCCO-TV in , which itself became a of WCCO-TV following Midwest Radio and Television's acquisition of KCMT (channel 7) in 1987. KNMT changed its call letters to KCCW-TV in 1990 and continued as a semi-, providing WCCO programming while inserting separate commercials and limited local content until 2005. Ownership transferred to Inc. in 1992 as part of the $178.6 million acquisition of Midwest Communications, making KCCW-TV a . KCCO-TV ceased operations at the end of 2017 after sold its spectrum in an FCC auction, leaving KCCW-TV as WCCO-TV's sole full-power . KCCW-TV broadcasts with an effective radiated power (ERP) of 59 kW from a 940-foot antenna height above average terrain, on RF channel 12 with virtual channel 12.1 carrying CBS programming. The station maintains this configuration to serve areas in northern Minnesota where WCCO-TV's primary signal from Minneapolis does not reach reliably. WCCO-TV also relies on more than 20 low-power translators to rebroadcast its signal in remote communities across central and southern Minnesota, enhancing accessibility in rural regions like Brainerd, Rochester, and surrounding counties. These translators mirror WCCO-TV's main programming and were required to transition to digital following the national DTV switchover on June 12, 2009. The FCC approved digital upgrades for several of these facilities post-2009, including construction permits for low-power digital operations to improve coverage and reliability. Representative examples include:
Call SignRF ChannelLocationERP (kW)Notes
K14LF-D14Willmar, MN0.15Rebroadcasts WCCO-TV; digital since 2010.
K33DB-D33Alexandria, MN0.1Serves Douglas County; upgraded post-2009.
K35KI-D35St. James, MN0.39Covers Watonwan County area.
K18IR-D18Olivia, MN0.15Digital translator for Renville County.
K33LB-D33Redwood Falls, MN0.39Serves Redwood County; FCC maintenance filings in 2015.
The FCC has processed ongoing applications for translator , such as power adjustments and replacements, to ensure continued service in these underserved areas.

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