Made-up Names: KSTP

We're taking it up a notch: in 2007, we pledge more posts about local news broadcasts and broadcasters. Why? Because it's fun. We love Anchorman, and we love making fun of the local news. Our first gimmick will be examining the different local TV news reporters and anchors and guessing whether their names are made up. Is there a Ron Burgundy out there? Wes Mantooth? Veronica Corningstone? We will guess now, and in a few days (or weeks) research and find out if the names are made up. We're going to start with KSTP because I sort of like their news coverage.

Let's look at the KSTP news team. Who's names are made up and who's names are real?

Anchors
Cyndy Brucato: made up. Something about it seems too "trendy news anchor."
John Mason: made up. It's a strong, tough name. A dependable name. The sort of name you want in the guy reading your news. And so, we think he chose it.
Leah McLean: while this sounds like a perfect female anchor name, we believe it is real.
Jessica Miles: Is anybody named "Jessica" anymore? It's got to be made up.
Brad Sattin: Sounds real to me, because it sounds stupid.
Vineeta Sawkar: A fun name to say. Try it. Say it fast. "Vineeta Sawkar." "Vineeta Sawkar." And we think it's real.

Weather
Dave Dahl: We love the alliteration. So do a lot of parents. This seems like an authentic Scandinavian name.
Patrick Hammer: Wow. This has the same "John Mason" appeal. Hard, dependable, trustworthy. But "Hammer" is almost going too far. We're tempted to call it real, but we're going with fake.
Rob Koch: I've always hated the spelling of the last name "Koch" in a completely irrational sense. I'm going to guess others do too. Real.
Chikage Windler: Wow. What a perfect name for a weatherperson. Better than "Brick Tamlund." We actually think this one is real, but wouldn't be surprised to find it's made up.

The other reporters that we think are fake news names
Beth Jett, Kristi Piehl, Tim Sherno, Allison Triarsi (absolutely HAS to be), Tom Hauser, and Anne Hutchinson.

Please remember, we have absolutely no idea whether these names are real or fake, and we're not making accusations. We're guessing for mere amusement. When time allows I'll do what research I can to discover if the names are real or made up. And as always, we'd love to hear your opinions.