University Libraries

Brian Hocker is a seasoned media executive with more than 37 years’ experience in television management at the division and local level.

When Texas’ first TV station, WBAP-TV (now NBC 5), moved from its historic studios in 2013, Brian engaged the University of North Texas Libraries to preserve and digitize news footage from the 1950’s to present day, in a one-of-kind resource available free at The Portal to Texas History.

Brian retired from NBC Universal in 2023 where he successfully led teams in integrating acquired TV station companies into NBCU’s business operation, including a project establishing an entirely new company-owned station in the Boston market. He has directed the over-the-air rollout of national networks like Oxygen, COZI-TV, and LX News in multiple U.S. markets, and created technical procedures to deliver program content to new, digital platforms like Peacock TV.

Locally, Brian was Vice President, Digital Media, Programming and Research for NBC 5 and Telemundo 39 where he was responsible for the purchase, scheduling, and production of local and syndicated programs in addition to general station operations. He conducted research and guided strategies to help the stations adapt to changing viewer tastes and evolving consumer technology driving today’s consumption of news.

After earning a B.S. from Shippensburg University and an M.B.A. from Rice University, Brian joined the broadcast industry in 1986, initially holding positions in audience research and advertising. He is a former member of A.C. Nielsen Company’s National Policy Guidelines Committee, which advises on policies and practices for the television ratings industry. He is past president of the American Marketing Association’s DFW Chapter and a former board member of the Fort Worth Sports Commission. Brian currently volunteers for several community groups and serves on The Cowtown Marathon board of directors.

Brian and his wife Theresa are proud Fort Worth residents who enjoy exploring with their grandchildren.