Today, we celebrate the life of someone very close to all of us at KRLD. Our afternoon anchor Kristin Diaz's mother Becky Muñoz-Diaz passed away last week, and her loss is not just felt by her family, and by us here at KRLD. It's felt by people all across the state of Texas, where she made a huge impact for decades.
Rebecca Muñoz-Diaz, affectionately known as Becky, a trailblazer in the Texas broadcast media industry and a former Senior Executive at Univision, passed away in Dallas from brain cancer on December 26, 2023, at the age of 65. Becky's career was marked by over 30 years of excellence in broadcast sales, management, and operations.
Becky's media journey began with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Radio and Television Communications from the University of Houston in 1981. Her career quickly took off, starting at KIKK Radio and moving on to play pivotal roles in establishing stations like KTXH-TV, KXTJ-FM, and KTMD-TV in Houston. In 199
In 1995, she took on the role of General Manager and Vice President at Univision KUVN-TV Channel 23 and UniMas KSTR Channel 49 in Dallas, leading these stations for nearly two decades before her retirement in 2014.
“Becky was more than a sister—she was my friend,” said Rita Dalati, Becky's sister.
“She was a mentor who I adored and looked up to as my co-pilot in this [media] industry. 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's community involvement was as profound as her professional accolades.She served on several boards, including the Texas Association of Broadcasters and the University of North Texas School of Communications.
Recognized as a pioneer in Spanish language media, Becky served as a role model for women in the industry.
“Becky was a fearless, determined, vibrant and kind Tejana, who was my mentor and friend, and who leaves a legacy for future generations,” said Millies Adan-Garza, a close friend and colleague. “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."
Becky's legacy will continue through her surviving family members including 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.
The community is invited to a Celebration of Life service on Sunday, January 7th, at Sparkman Hillcrest Funeral Home in Dallas. In lieu of flowers, donations in her honor can be made to a charity of one’s choice.
Becky leaves behind a legacy of passion, dedication, and love for her community. Her story will continue through the lives of her family, friends, and community, who will cherish her memory forever.
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