D’Artagnan Bebel Named Fox Soul GM

Fox Soul today appointed D’Artagnan Bebel, SVP-GM of KRIV (Fox) and KTXH (MNT) Houston as the general manager and head of programming for the streaming network, effective today. Bebel will continue in his Houston roles and will be replacing Fox Soul GM James DuBose who is pursuing other opportunities.

In leaving, Dubose said: “It has been one of the greatest highlights of my professional and personal life to have been able to lead such a talented group of people at Fox Soul. I have nothing but sincere gratitude towards the entire team, especially Jack Abernethy and Stephen Brown. This experience has prepared me for my next chapter, which I am extremely excited about. I am forever grateful to the Fox family.”

As the head of programming, one of Bebel’s first moves was to expand the popular show TEA-GIF to a five-nights-a-week strip. Hosted by Claudia Jordan, Funky Dineva and Al Reynolds, the news show covers stories of the day with an irreverent tone. In addition, the channel is developing a block of spiritual and religious programming on Sundays,  “amplifying the ties of the community with their faith,” according to the streamer.

Bebel said: “I am excited about the opportunity to help grow Fox Soul into a brand that is reflective of the diversity within; and that the African-American community can be proud of. The Black community is far from being homogeneous, and Fox Soul will hope to serve as a vehicle for the greater good by recognizing those who may go unrecognized. We will constantly be refining and developing this network to make it something the community loves.”

Throughout his 38-year broadcast career, Bebel has been a champion for innovation, diversity and community outreach. He has been the SVP-GM of KRIV-KTXH and Fox26Houston.com for the past 23 years.

According to Fox, “his 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 newscasts/programming from 22 to 141 hours per week.

“Bebel is a staunch believer in using the broadcast platform not just to 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 commitment to community outreach extends outside of the station with service to organizations such as NAB Diversity and Inclusion Advisory Board, American Women in Media and the Emma Bowen Foundation.