When the sports world learned that coveted NFL sideline reporter, Pam Oliver, would no longer be their number 1, we were shocked! We are use to seeing Pam for 19 years, how can Fox just make such a dramatic change? Following her demotion, NFL fans were introduced to a new Number 1 sideline reporter, former ESPN employee Erin Andrews. That ensued a list of reason why Pam Oliver, 53, was being replaced by Andrews, 36; was it because she’s younger(ageism) or white(racism)? While fans struggled over the answers, Oliver remained quiet… until now. Pam Oliver recently spoke with Essence Magazine and gave them some insight on how she heard, her reaction and how she plans to move forward.
It took a while, but eventually it got down to them saying they wanted to “change direction within the company.” They told me they’d like me to work on Fox Sports 1 (the fledgling secondary cable sports channel Fox launched in 2013) to help give FS1 more reporting credibility. They wanted me to work primarily on specials and long-form stories, but I told them I still wanted to do sideline reporting. It was important to me to have a twentieth season—to end on 19 is wack! I wanted 20.
Eventually my bosses agreed to give me a final year on the sidelines, but they told me I’d no longer be working with the network’s “A” crew (which includes seasoned announcers Joe Buck and Troy Aikman). The three of us have been a unit for a decade and suddenly we were being split up. That was very difficult to hear.
At times I’m ashamed of how tragic I was making things out to be. It’s just a job change. I’m not out on the streets. I’m not unemployed. Everybody wins: Fox gets its coveted reporter in the lead role and I get to do my sideline job for my twentieth and final year. I’m also looking forward to developing stories that interest me and delivering long-form pieces for FS1. That kind of work is like being in reporter heaven.
Don’t get me wrong, I love being on the sidelines. I love the ins and outs of the game. But I’m headed into this season knowing it’s time to say my good-byes. I’m going savor every moment.
While Pam Oliver won’t be with the “A” team, she will get to live out her 20 year run as a NFL sideline reporter. Im glad Oliver didn’t let this crush her spirit. She will be amazing as the sports version of “Barbara Walters”. Its needed and I wouldn’t want to watch anyone else delivering us those special issues other than her. She has set a strong example for all journalists out there that even if your career takes unexpected turns, don’t stress, make the best of your situations. It could always be worse. Good Luck to Pam Oliver as she celebrates 20 years on the NFL sideline.
To continue the story read it here: Essence.com