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The Real Reason Why Amelia Santaniello Isn't On The Evening News: A Major WCCO-TV Shift Explained

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The widespread curiosity about why longtime Twin Cities news anchor Amelia Santaniello is "not working" on her usual broadcasts has a clear, definitive, and recent answer as of December 21, 2025: she is absolutely still working, but she has made a significant shift in her schedule at WCCO-TV. The questions stem from her notable absence from the station's flagship evening newscasts, which she co-anchored for years alongside her husband, Frank Vascellaro. This move, which began in September 2025, represents a major lifestyle change for the veteran journalist, transitioning her from the late-night slot to an earlier afternoon position.

The core of the matter is a strategic and personal decision to move Amelia Santaniello away from the 5 p.m. and 10 p.m. news, effectively splitting up the famous husband-and-wife anchor team on those broadcasts. She has embraced a new role co-anchoring the 4 p.m. weekday newscast, a change she has publicly stated will be beneficial for both her personal life and her marriage. While a previous, temporary leave was attributed to personal and health reasons, this permanent shift signals a new, less demanding phase in her remarkable career at CBS News Minnesota.

Amelia Santaniello: Biography and Career Profile

Amelia Santaniello is one of the most recognizable and respected figures in Minnesota journalism, having served the Twin Cities community for nearly three decades. Her career is marked by dedication and a long tenure at WCCO-TV.

  • Full Name: Amelia Santaniello
  • Date of Birth (Approx.): 1964
  • Age (as of late 2025): Approximately 61 years old
  • Birthplace: Alexandria, Virginia
  • Family Background: Grew up in a career military family, which led to her living in various locations, including Virginia, Japan, and Texas.
  • Education: Attended Marywood University in Scranton, Pennsylvania, where she earned a degree in broadcasting.
  • Early Career: Worked at WNEP-TV in Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, serving as a reporter and fill-in anchor.
  • WCCO-TV Tenure: Joined WCCO-TV (CBS News Minnesota) in 1996.
  • Marital Status: Married to fellow news anchor Frank Vascellaro, with whom she has three children.
  • Notable Coverage: Known for covering major local events, including the devastating St. Peter Tornado Outbreak.

The Major Shift: From Evening Star to Afternoon Anchor

The primary reason viewers are asking, "Why is Amelia Santaniello not working?" is the highly publicized change in her anchoring duties that took effect in September 2025. This was not a departure, but a significant restructuring of her role within WCCO-TV.

Breaking Up the Husband-and-Wife Team

For years, Amelia Santaniello and Frank Vascellaro were the iconic husband-and-wife duo anchoring the station’s most-watched evening newscasts—the 5 p.m. and 10 p.m. broadcasts. The decision to move Amelia to an earlier time slot meant that Frank Vascellaro would take on solo anchoring duties for these flagship programs.

This move generated considerable buzz among Twin Cities viewers, as the couple had been a fixture in their homes for decades. However, the change was made with a clear goal in mind: a better work-life balance.

Embracing the 4 P.M. Newscast

Amelia Santaniello’s new home is the 4 p.m. weekday newscast, where she co-anchors with Erin Hassanzadeh. This shift allows her to maintain a prominent on-air presence while moving away from the demanding late-night schedule. The 4 p.m. slot is a crucial part of WCCO’s news programming, covering the day’s top headlines and setting the stage for the evening news block.

The transition was described by the station as a new phase for the veteran journalist, allowing her to continue her career with a schedule that better suits her personal needs.

The Personal and Health Factors Behind the Change

While the immediate answer is a change in shift, the underlying motivation for moving to an afternoon role is rooted in a desire for a more manageable lifestyle. This is a common trend among long-serving news professionals who have spent years working late hours.

A Benefit for Marriage and Family Life

Amelia Santaniello herself has been transparent about the positive impact of this schedule change. She noted that separating the anchoring duties on the 10 p.m. news could actually be beneficial for her marriage to Frank Vascellaro. Working the same late shift for so long, especially as a couple with children, can be taxing. The new schedule provides a much-needed separation of professional and personal time.

Previous Personal and Health Leave

It is also important to note that Amelia Santaniello took a leave of absence prior to this permanent schedule change, which was attributed to personal and health reasons. While the specifics were kept private, this period likely reinforced the need for a less strenuous work schedule. The move to the 4 p.m. newscast is seen as a way to maintain her career while accommodating her well-being.

This situation is not a retirement or a departure; it is a successful veteran journalist navigating the demands of a high-profile, late-night career by transitioning to a more sustainable schedule. Viewers can still catch her daily news updates and reporting, just a few hours earlier than they are used to.

Amelia Santaniello's Continued Role and Legacy in the Twin Cities

Despite the shift, Amelia Santaniello remains a central and respected figure in the Twin Cities media landscape. Her longevity at WCCO-TV since 1996 speaks to her dedication to local journalism and her connection with the Minnesota audience.

Her work now focuses on the afternoon segment, a time when many viewers are just getting home and tuning in for the day's first major news update. Her presence provides a familiar and trusted face to deliver the headlines. This demonstrates that for high-profile anchors, "not working" in a specific time slot often means simply moving to a different, albeit prominent, part of the broadcast day.

Ultimately, the question of "why is Amelia Santaniello not working" is a misunderstanding. She is working, but her professional life has entered a new chapter that prioritizes balance, allowing her to continue her impactful career at WCCO-TV while enjoying a more compatible schedule. This transition, effective as of the fall of 2025, ensures her legacy and presence continue to shape local news reporting for years to come.

why is amelia santaniello not working
why is amelia santaniello not working

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