Sheila Oliver Named SVP-GM Of Fox’s Seattle Duopoly

Sheila Oliver today was named senior vice president and general manager of Fox’s KCPQ-KZJO Seattle. She assumes this position immediately, reporting directly to Abernethy. This announcement comes as Pamela Pearson, who has been with the duopoly for 22 years, announced her retirement today.

Pamela Pearson

In making the announcement, Jack Abernethy, CEO of Fox Television Stations said: “We would like to thank Pam for her hard work and dedication to the Seattle communities over the past 22 years, and appreciate her helping us through this transition. Sheila, a Fox Television Stations veteran of both news and sales for nearly 20 years, has proven herself to be a leader who knows how to build high achieving teams that deliver strong results. She has done a tremendous job in Minneapolis and is the ideal choice to elevate Fox Seattle to the next level.”

Oliver has been with Fox Television Stations since 2002. Most recently, she has spent the last six years as SVP-GM of KMSP-WFTC, the Fox duopoly in Minneapolis, and before that was the duopoly’s VP of sales for more than 10 years. Prior to that, Oliver was VP-general sales manager of KSAZ and KUTP, the Fox duopoly in Phoenix.

Previously, she was GM of WTVR Richmond, Va., and WCGV-WVTV Milwaukee. Earlier in her career, Oliver worked at WUPW Toledo, Ohio, and WJLB-FM Detroit.

She holds Bachelor of Arts degrees in both French and telecommunications from Michigan State University.

Oliver said: “It is a privilege to join another FoxX duopoly and continue working with Jack and the entire FTS group, and I’m honored to have had the opportunity to lead the incredibly talented team in Minneapolis. I can’t wait to get started in Seattle and am excited to build on the successes of [WCPQ] and [KZJO].”

Pearson has been SVP-GM of the stations for 22 years.  Previously, she was the station manager of KTLA Los Angeles. Earlier, she held the role of director of creative services at WGN-TV Chicago and before that, KWGN-TV Denver. She began her career at Turner Broadcasting as Director of Promotion for what is now the cable channel TBS. A graduate of the University of Georgia, she holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Journalism.

Pearson said: “After 22 years, I have decided that this summer is the time to join my husband in retirement. During my tenure, I had the honor to lead a great team through tremendous change and growth, including expanding our news coverage to 65 hours per week and becoming the official television partners of the Seattle Seahawks, Seattle Sounders, and Seattle Storm championship teams. I could not be more pleased to pass the baton to Sheila, who will continue the growth and take the team to new heights.”

A search is underway to find a successor to Oliver at KMSP-WFTC.