2026 Hall of Fame Award

 

The Ontario Association of Broadcasters' Board of Directors is pleased to announce 

the 2026 OAB Hall of Fame Award recipient is CHRIS PEARSON!

 

Chris Pearson is a broadcasting executive, mentor, and industry champion whose career spans nearly four decades. Throughout his career, he was recognized for his ability to support high-performing teams, develop future talent, drive organizational growth, and create lasting impact within both the broadcasting industry and the communities it serves.

Over the course of his career, Chris has established a reputation for delivering results. As the former President of Acadia Broadcasting, he led a period of significant growth and transformation, overseeing the acquisition and integration of five radio stations, expanding the company's footprint from 11 to 16 radio stations across Ontario, New Brunswick, and Nova Scotia.

In his first two years as President, Chris played a role in developing Acadia Broadcasting's five-year business plan and contributed to the organization's most recent longer-term strategic plan, which will position the company for sustainable growth in an evolving media environment.

One of the greatest challenges of his career came during the COVID-19 pandemic. Guiding the organization through an unprecedented period of uncertainty required resilience, adaptability, and a deep commitment to employees, clients, listeners, and communities. Looking back, Chris remains especially proud of how Acadia's ownership, management team, and employees faced the challenges head-on together. During a company-wide town hall, he encouraged staff by saying, "If adversity builds character, we're going to have an abundance of it when this is over."

Shortly afterward, an employee sent him a thoughtful note that left an impression: "Adversity doesn't build character, it reveals character." Chris often reflects on that observation, believing it perfectly captured the strength, professionalism, and integrity demonstrated by employees during one of the most challenging periods in the organization’s history.

Chris began his broadcasting career in 1987 as a junior sales representative at CKBW-AM in Bridgewater, Nova Scotia. Recognizing early the value of continuous learning, he pursued additional training in sales, public speaking, and leadership outside the organization. His commitment to personal and professional development led him to become the lead instructor for a public speaking and personal development program in Southwestern Nova Scotia, and a regular guest lecturer in sales and marketing at the local community college.

Chris found it especially rewarding to see many of those students go on to successful careers with both CKBW and its clients. One former student is now Acadia’s Regional Manager for Nova Scotia. In recognition of his experience and community involvement, Chris was invited to participate in the interview and selection process for the college’s new Sales and Marketing instructor following the retirement of the incumbent.

His career progression within Acadia Broadcasting reflected both his ability to inspire others and his commitment to continuous improvement. Chris advanced from Sales Representative to Sales Manager and eventually Station Manager, overseeing the company's two stations in Bridgewater, Nova Scotia. Alongside his operational responsibilities, he served as a corporate trainer, providing leadership, sales, and personal development training to employees, supervisors, and emerging talent throughout the organization.

Recognizing his ability to develop teams and improve performance, Acadia Broadcasting called upon Chris to support stations facing operational challenges. For a year, he traveled regularly to Ontario, spending one week each month working with station management teams and employees, sharing best practices and helping strengthen station performance and culture.

Chris was then asked to assume the role of Interim Director of Sales for Acadia while continuing his station management responsibilities. That role led to his appointment as Vice President of Sales in 2015, prompting a move to Acadia Broadcasting's head office in Saint John, New Brunswick. Seven months later, he was promoted to President of Acadia Broadcasting.

When asked during an interview for the presidency to identify the highlight of his career, Chris did not point to one of his own promotions. Instead, he reflected on the day he became Vice President of Sales and saw three members of his Bridgewater team advance into significant new positions. His sales Manager was promoted to Station Manager; his News Director became Acadia's Director of News and Public Affairs; and one of his news reporters was promoted to News Director for the Bridgewater stations.

Chris often refers to this as the "triple play" of his career and considers it one of the most meaningful accomplishments. For him, nothing has been more rewarding than seeing colleagues achieve their professional goals and advance in their careers.

Throughout his career, Chris remained enthusiastic about helping others develop and succeed. When discussing the search for his successor as Vice President of Sales, someone remarked they needed to find another "Chris Pearson". His response captured his philosophy on succession and growth:

"I don't want another Chris Pearson; I want someone better who can take the position to the next level."

During his nearly ten years as President, Chris supported a comprehensive succession planning initiative designed to ensure the company had a strong pipeline of future talent ready for advancement opportunities. Another proud accomplishment was identifying and mentoring his eventual successor years before the executive transition occurred. That succession plan came to fruition on December 1, 2025, when his former Vice President of Sales assumed the role of President following Chris's announcement of his intention to retire.

Beyond broadcasting, Chris has maintained a strong commitment to mentorship, personal growth, and helping others reach their potential. He earned his First-Degree Black Belt in martial arts and enjoyed using that platform to teach confidence, discipline, perseverance, and character development to students of all ages.

Today, Chris continues to support Acadia Broadcasting as Strategic Advisor to the Board. He also remains deeply committed to the broadcasting industry that has given him an extraordinary career. As President of the Ontario Association of Broadcasters, he actively contributes to government relations, conference planning, and serves as Chair of the Membership Development Committee. In addition, he serves on the Canadian Association of Broadcasters' CEO Radio Council and most recently assumed the role of Interim Chair of the Commercial Radio News Fund (CRNF).

Reflecting on his career, Chris remains grateful for the opportunities, friendships, and experiences the broadcasting industry has provided:

"I owe this industry a great deal. It has given me a career beyond anything I could have imagined, the opportunity to collaborate with incredible people, lifelong friendships, and the ability to support my family while serving local communities. I will continue to support this industry for as long as I possibly can."