Rebecca Muñoz-Diaz, a Texas broadcast media veteran and former Senior Executive at Univision, has passed away in Dallas from brain cancer on December 26, 2023 at the age of 65.
The multi-award-winning luminary was praised for over 30 years of excellence in broadcast sales, management and operations, in addition to a wealth of recognitions from the City of Dallas and the State of Texas. She has been credited with the success of DFW’s top-rated Spanish language stations, and also for her philanthropic work in empowering and educating the Latino community through all of her various commitments and platforms.
Although formally known as Mrs. Muñoz-Diaz, to many who knew and loved her, she was just Becky—a faithful believer, a powerful mentor, as well as compassionate in her love for all people—wanting nothing more but to see them happy and with success.
“Becky was more than a sister—she was my friend,” said Rita Dalati, sister to Becky Muñoz-Diaz. “She was a mentor who I adored and looked up to as my co-pilot in this [media] industry, for my career. Her wisdom, motivation and drive kept her above all others. I will miss our phone calls, laughter, our love for music, scripture, and most of all, the love she shared with me, our family and our friends. She will be missed.”
Becky had a natural knack for media, graduating in 1981 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Radio and Television Communications from the University of Houston. Powered by passion, she began her career at KIKK Radio, and then shortly thereafter began working in Houston with 3 start-up stations that included KTXH-TV (Grant Broadcasting), KXTJ-FM (El Dorado Radio), and KTMD-TV (Telemundo), and was responsible for establishing each station in their respective markets. In November of 1995, Becky became the General Manager and Vice President at Univision KUVN-TV Channel 23 and UniMas KSTR Channel 49 in Dallas, where she would remain for over 19 years of her career, before retiring in 2014.
“Becky was a pioneer in Spanish language media, a role model for women, a mentor to many, and an inspiration for all,” said Millie Adan-Garza, friend of Muñoz-Diaz and Director of Sales and Sponsorships at Houston Public Media. “She was the second woman honored by the Texas Association of Broadcasters for leading efforts to establish and grow TV and radio stations in the Houston and Dallas markets, opening doors for women and advancing communities—preceded by Lady Bird Johnson. Becky was a fearless, determined, vibrant and kind Tejana, who was my mentor and friend, and who leaves a legacy for future generations.”
During her tenure in executive leadership, Becky strategically crafted marketing mechanisms to usher Univision 23 as one of the top-rated Spanish language television stations in the Dallas/Fort-Worth area—a credit to her technical prowess and natural genius for strategic planning. She created segments such as “23 a Su Lado” (23 on Your Side), “Desde la Comunidad” (From the Community), “Linea Abierta” (Open Line), as well as Univision’s annual Tamale Festival (now Festival Univision), to foster support for the growing Latino community.
Being visibly active and grounded in the community was just as important to Becky than all of the professional accolades she amassed during her lifetime. She proudly served on the boards for the Texas Association of Broadcasters, Communities in School, the Regional Dallas Chamber of Commerce, and the University of North Texas School of Communications, as well as the advisory committee of the Ad Council of America for North Texas, the LIFT advisory council, and the communications committee for the AT&T Dallas Center for Performing Arts. Becky was a long-time member of American Women in Radio and Television, the Mexican-American Chamber of Commerce, and served as the past Chair for the Senior Source of Dallas, and as the past President of the Hispanic 100.
In 2009, she was recognized with the Dallas Business Journal Minority Business Leader Award; as well as the Inspiring Women of the Southwest Award in 2011; National Diversity Council’s Influential Women of Texas honor in 2013; and the Ford Mujeres Legendarias award in 2014. Becky’s hard work, dedication and impact will leave an inspirational legacy far beyond her lifetime, and for many generations to follow.
In her spare time, she adored mentorship, embraced traveling, and enjoyed her retirement at the family ranch tending to the donkeys and chickens. She was truly a light to all.
Becky was preceded in death by her father, and her paternal and maternal grandparents.
Her memory will be lovingly cherished in the hearts of her husband, Oscar (Tony); daughter Kristin and step-children, Jacque, Jamie, and Adam; four grandchildren, Dixie, Rosalie, Kasen and Kylie; and siblings, Barbara, Rita, Robert, Cindy, Ruben, Chris, and George; as well as a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, dear friends and community members whom she loved wholeheartedly.
Funeral services are planned for Saturday, December 30th in Sealy, TX at St. Mary’s Catholic Church. Visitation begins at 9:30AM, followed by rosary at 10AM, mass, burial services, and a small reception to follow.
A Celebration of Life service has been planned in Dallas for Sunday, January 7th at Sparkman Hillcrest Funeral Home (7405 W. Northwest Hwy., Dallas, TX) from 2PM to 6PM.
The public is welcome to attend either or both services. The family has requested that flower deliveries be held until the Celebration of Life service on January 7th in Dallas. However, in lieu of flowers, donations can be made to a charity of one’s choice, in honor of Becky Muñoz-Diaz.
(This post was taken from a release)
