Forty Under 40: Brook Thomas

Brook Thomas has always had a can-do attitude. That’s how he went from part-time teleprompter operator in 2000 to news director in 2007.

“You do the job you’ve been given and do it to the best of your ability every day,” he said. “And then you do it more.”

Thomas was hired full time in 2002 and worked at the station while also attending the University of Arkansas. He was a photographer, producer, assignment editor and assistant news director before earning his current job. He manages about 50 employees and oversees 34 hours of local news every week.

Thomas earned his communication degree from the UA in 2005, and the experience of holding a full-time job while attending college shapes his thinking today. He is very involved in the internship program at the station and is passionate about mentoring students pursuing journalism careers.

“We have full-time and part-time employees who are students, and I encourage them to get their education,” he said. “I don’t want their job to be a stumbling block to getting an education.”

Thomas, raised in Fayetteville, said he has no plans to leave, but would love to conclude his professional career by teaching the next batch of journalists.

Thomas is involved with the Salvation Army and the United Way.