Dario Melendez Returns to WISN 12 as Sports Director

MILWAUKEE, WI (April 6, 2022) – WISN 12 is pleased to announce that Dario Melendez is the station’s new Sports Director, effective April 18th. Melendez will serve as the anchor of sports coverage on WISN 12 News at 6:00 p.m., WISN 12 News at 9:00 p.m., WISN 12 News at 10:00 p.m., and during Big 12 Sports Saturday at 6:30 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. He replaces long-time Sports Director Dan Needles, who retired last month after 32 years with the station. Dario Melendez takes the helm of the WISN Big 12 Sports team which includes Stephanie Sutton and Stephen Watson.

Melendez previously worked as a weekend sports anchor and reporter for WISN 12. “Dario was part of Big 12 Sports a few years ago,” says Jan Wade, president and general manager of WISN 12. “So viewers are welcoming back a familiar face.   He and his wife met here, and are raising their family here now. We are very excited to have him back.”

“I’ve been fortunate to live and work in some of the top markets in the country and I can say, without hesitation, that Wisconsin sports fans are some of the most passionate and knowledgeable I’ve ever been around,” shares Melendez.

In addition to his anchor duties, Melendez will lead WISN 12’s sports programming involving the Green Bay Packers, Milwaukee Brewers, Milwaukee Bucks, Wisconsin Badgers, and other sports and teams at the local and state levels. This includes Big 12 Sports specials on topics  like the NFL Draft, pre and post-game coverage, playoff and championship runs, as well as significant interviews with the most renowned names in sports.

“He brings a wide breadth of sports experience to Big 12 Sports,” adds Wade.  “And viewers will also benefit from his depth and knowledge of Wisconsin Teams.”

Most recently, he served as an anchor and reporter for Bally Sports Wisconsin covering the Milwaukee Brewers and Bucks. Before that he held the anchor and reporter roles for New York 1 in New York City, and for ESPN’s SportsCenter in Bristol, Connecticut. Prior to his last position at WISN 12, Melendez worked his way up through the industry and held sports broadcasting anchor, reporter, and hosting roles for both television and radio stations in Wisconsin, Florida, and Connecticut.

“The WISN 12 Sports Director role is one of the most coveted jobs in the industry,” adds Melendez. “Only two people have held the title over the last 41 years. To be able to continue the legacies left by Tom Sutton and Dan Needles – my personal mentor and someone I learned so much from – is an honor. The chance to connect these fans to their favorite teams and bring them the best coverage in our great state is a role I am thrilled to accept.”

About WISN 12 and Hearst Television

WISN 12, the ABC station in Milwaukee, is owned by Hearst Television, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Hearst Corporation.  Hearst Television owns and operates 33 television and two radio stations serving 26 media markets across 39 states reaching over 21 million U.S. television households. Through its partnership with nearly all of the major networks, Hearst Television distributes national content over nearly 70 video channels including programming from ABC, NBC, CBS, CW, MY Net, MeTV, This TV, Estrella and more. The radio stations are leaders in Baltimore news/talk and rock music listenership. Hearst Television is recognized as one of the industry’s premier companies and has been honored with numerous awards for distinguished journalism, industry innovation, and community service. Hearst Television is a wholly owned subsidiary of Hearst.

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. It has not been verified for its accuracy or completeness.