As New England One was first to tell you, WFXT-TV FOX 25 has named award-winning broadcaster Mike Oliveira as its new News Director.
As New England One was first to tell you, WFXT-TV FOX 25 has named award-winning broadcaster Mike Oliveira as its new News Director.
In this role, Oliveira will oversee all newsroom responsibilities for the Cox Media Group (CMG) station. Oliveira replaces Lee Rosenthal who left the station at the end of July.
“Mike's passion for news, his work ethic and his ability to connect with people were immediately recognized by our newsroom,” said Tom Raponi, WFXT’s VP and General Manager. “Mike knows the Boston and New England news market given his deep roots here. Additionally, Mike has been a news leader at WPXI-TV in the highly-competitive Pittsburgh market for 11 years, and his experience will lead FOX25 to the next level of excellence.”
Oliveira joined CMG in 2005 at the company’s Pittsburgh station, WPXI-TV NBC Channel 11, as night side Executive Producer. He later was promoted to day side Executive Producer, Managing Editor and most recently served as News Director. While at WPXI, the station’s news team won multiple Emmy awards, including best newscast and breaking news. Earlier this year, WPXI ranked No. 1 at 11 p.m. in LPM markets in May and ranked No. 1 at 6 a.m. in LPM markets in April.
Oliveira worked alongside current WBZ news director Johnny Green, who spent three years as the Nightside and Special Projects Executive Producer at WPXI.
“When I walked into FOX25, it just felt right,” said Oliveira. “The professionals in this newsroom get what makes Boston so special, and they work hard to tell great stories every day. I'm excited to join the team, to compete and to take advantage of this amazing opportunity.”
Oliveira will be immediately tasked with increasing the stations ratings, which have suffered under Cox ownership. The station recently brought in a motivational speaker to speak to station staff and increase morale.
Oliveira’s other career highlights include working in Syracuse, NY at WTVH as Assignment Editor, Web Editor, and Producer. He also spent a year at Boston’s WHDH as Producer.
A native of Melrose, Massachusetts, Oliveira earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Television, Radio and Film at Syracuse University’s Newhouse School of Public Communications.
He starts at FOX 25 on September 6.
