Fox Sports has softened its demotion of Pam Oliver.
Sports Illustrated reported Monday that Oliver will continue serving as a sideline reporter for the NFL on FOX through the 2016 season, which coincides with the expiration of her contract. Oliver will continue to work alongside the broadcast team of Kevin Burkhardt and John Lynch.
The move represents an about face for Fox Sports. When Oliver was demoted from the lead NFL on FOX broadcast team in favor of Erin Andrews last year, the original plan was to take her off of the sidelines completely — and immediately. Oliver had to convince network executives to give her another season on the sidelines, telling SI.com last year that she had “expressed to them” that she “was not done and had something to offer” (SI.com, 7/14).
Last season was supposed to be Oliver’s swan song, after which she would be limited to providing interviews and features on Fox Sports 1 (a role FOX referred to as a promotion in a July press release). According to the SI.com report, the decision to bring her back for two more years was abrupt and unexpected.
(Mon. news from SI.com)
