Sheldon Cooper is a nationally recognized leader in independent television. He has served Tribune/WGN Continental Broadcasting for more than 40 years. He pioneered many program "firsts," such as "Operation Primetime," a consortium of independent stations that developed first-run, primetime programming. He also played a role in bringing fresh talent, such as Mike Douglas and Phil Donahue, to Chicago television.

Cooper joined WGN-TV in 1950. In 1966, he was made Vice President of Program Development for the newly formed WGN Continental Productions Company, the forerunner of Tribune Entertainment. In 1967, he was elected Vice President of WGN Continental Broadcasting and Manager of Programming/Television Group Stations.

He was elected to the Board of Directors of the Continental Broadcasting Company in April of 1974 and at the same time was appointed Station Manager of the company's flagship station, WGN Television. In 1982, the Tribune Entertainment Company was formed and Cooper was selected to serve as its first President and CEO. He was named Chairman in February, 1991.

The Chicago Chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences has awarded Cooper two Emmy^® Awards, in 1960 and 1964, for his individual work in broadcasting. Three shows for which he was Executive Producer have also received Emmy^® Awards.