|
|
|
|
|
The Ontario Association of Broadcasters' Board of Directors is pleased to announce the 2026 OAB Hall of Fame Award recipient is CHRIS PEARSON!
The Hall of Fame Award is a Board-nominated honour presented to individuals who have spent the majority of their careers working in private broadcasting and have demonstrated a commitment to the highest standards of broadcast excellence.
Chris Pearson is a broadcasting executive, mentor, and industry leader whose career spans nearly four decades. He has enjoyed helping to build high-performing teams, developing future leaders, driving growth, and creating lasting impact in both broadcasting and the communities it serves.
As President of Acadia Broadcasting, Chris led a period of significant growth, including the acquisition and integration of five radio stations, expanding the company from 11 to 16 stations across Ontario, New Brunswick, and Nova Scotia. He helped shape Acadia's strategic direction through long-term business planning and a leadership philosophy centered on people development, teamwork, and continuous improvement.
One of the defining challenges of his career was leading through the COVID-19 pandemic. Chris remains especially proud of how Acadia's ownership, management team, and employees demonstrated resilience, professionalism, and integrity during one of the most difficult periods in the company's history. 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 began his broadcasting career in 1987 as a junior sales representative at CKBW-AM in Bridgewater, Nova Scotia. Committed to lifelong learning, he pursued training in sales, leadership, and public speaking outside the organization, later serving as a lead public speaking instructor and regular guest lecturer in the sales and marketing class at the local community college.
His career with Acadia Broadcasting progressed from Sales Representative to Sales Manager, Station Manager, Interim Director of Sales, Vice President of Sales, and ultimately President. Alongside his operational responsibilities as station manager, he served as a corporate trainer, providing leadership, sales, and personal development training to employees, supervisors, and emerging talent throughout the organization.
Among his proudest moments was the day he became Vice President of Sales and saw three members of his Bridgewater management 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.
A passionate advocate for succession planning, Chris supported the development of future leaders throughout his tenure. Another proud achievement was mentoring his eventual successor, who was appointed as President in Dec 2025 following Chris's announcement of his intention to retire.
Beyond broadcasting, Chris has been committed to mentorship and personal development. As a First-Degree Black Belt, he used martial arts instruction to teach confidence, discipline, perseverance, and character development to students of all ages.
Today, Chris serves as Strategic Advisor to the Acadia Broadcasting Board and remains active in industry leadership. He is President of the Ontario Association of Broadcasters, serves on the Canadian Association of Broadcasters' CEO Radio Council, and is serving as Interim Chair of the Commercial Radio News Fund.
Reflecting on his career. "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." |
|
|
|
We invite you to join us to celebrate Chris' achievements and career in broadcasting! Both Full Conference and Sales Program registrations include admission to the Awards Luncheon, where we will celebrate excellence across the industry and present the prestigious OAB Lifetime Achievement Award. Secure your spot, reconnect with colleagues, discover new ideas, and be part of the conversations shaping the future of broadcasting. We look forward to welcoming you to CONNECTION 2026. |
|
Full Conference Registration includes entry to: both leadership and sales sessions; Awards Luncheon and the Welcome Reception. |
|
$279 for OAB Members & $349 for non-members |
| Register Here |
|
|
|
|
