D’Artagnan Bebel

In May 2022, Fox also named him GM and Head of Programming for FOX SOUL – a new and interactive streaming channel dedicated to African American viewers.

D’Art’s core belief that a local broadcaster must be in the business of serving the community through locally originated programming has motivated him to expand the station’s local news and other programming from 22 to 141 hours per week.

He’s a staunch believer in using the broadcast platform to not just TELL stories – but to shed light on issues that affect positive change for the Houston community.

Under his leadership, the station’s series “People for Sale: Houston’s Dirty Little Secret,” caused the City of Houston to form an interagency task force to combat human trafficking.

His staff – one of the most diverse in the Houston market – is most proud of his leadership and planning during severe, catastrophic weather events, as well as the COVID-19 pandemic – keeping vital information flowing to the community all while making sure his employees were safe.

His commitment to community outreach extends outside of the station with service to organizations like the NAB Diversity and Inclusion Advisory Board, American Women in Media, and the Emma Bowen Foundation.

Throughout his career, D’Art has fostered a new generation of broadcast leaders who’ve advanced to the top ranks at stations in other markets, both in and out of the FOX-owned group of stations.

He’s an influential advocate on the industry’s behalf before lawmakers in the Texas Legislature and in Congress, cultivating close relationships among elected officials so they have a true appreciation for what we do.

For those of us operating other stations in the market, he is admired not just as a competitor, but also as a partner – especially when helping Houston dig out from one natural disaster or another.

Outside the station, D’Art is a lover of travel and adventure.

One volunteer organization is especially dear to his heart – the Dive Pirates – and he serves on the advisory board.

What began in 2003 as a social club for divers is now a non-profit foundation that teaches, equips and takes disabled people on life-changing scuba diving adventures.

That very same sense of adventure is reflected in everything D’Art undertakes, whether he’s serving his family, his station, or his community.

That’s a trait we can all emulate as we strive to better serve our communities in an ever changing media marketplace.