MELEA VANOSTRAND

Melea VanOstrand is an anchor and reporter at WRTV and an Indianapolis native with more than a decade of experience in journalism. She has been part of Circle City Broadcasting since 2024, when she joined the company as a reporter.

Melea’s interest in journalism began early, with visits to the WISH-TV studios and involvement in school broadcast programs. She went on to anchor and report at KOTA-TV in Sheridan and Rapid City, South Dakota, and FOX 55 in Fort Wayne, Indiana. She also worked as a digital court reporter in Chicago, covering legal proceedings and developing extensive experience with court and crime reporting.

Before returning home to Indianapolis, Melea served as managing editor and real estate reporter for the Daily Business Review in Miami, where she covered South Florida’s real estate industry and business growth. In 2023, she was recognized as a Legacy Miami 40 Under 40 honoree for her work and leadership.

Melea is a graduate of North Central High School in Indianapolis and a former Indiana Black Expo intern. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in broadcast journalism from Central State University and a Master of Science in criminal justice from Boston University. She is also a licensed Realtor® and a member of the National Association of Black Journalists.

Outside of work, Melea enjoys spending time with her kids, family and friends. She loves traveling, discovering new restaurants, watching the latest shows on Netflix and trying new hobbies. She is glad to be back home in Indianapolis, telling stories about the people and communities of Central Indiana.

Have a news tip? Email Melea at Melea.VanOstrand@wrtv.com.