Charles Nedwin "Ned" Hockman, 88
NORMAN, OK (December 20, 2009) – Charles Nedwin "Ned" Hockman, one of the founders of NPPA's NewsVideo Workshop at the University of Oklahoma and a recipient of NPPA's highest honor, the Joseph A. Sprague Memorial Award, died this morning in hospital after an extended illness.
The photojournalist and professor who served as a decorated combat photographer in two wars was 88.
Because he died during a holiday time, his family today decided to honor Hockman with a celebration of his life that will be scheduled for sometime during the Spring of 2010 on the University of Oklahoma campus.
In lieu of flowers they ask that any memorial contributions be made to The Ned Hockman Filmmaking Award Fund at the University of Oklahoma.
Hockman is survived by his wife, Loretta, and two daughters, Shiree and Kyle. In addition he's survived by two sisters, five grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.
Hockman had been hospitalized since October and had been undergoing dialysis treatments as well as recovering from surgery. Originally a patient at the Norman Regional Hospital, he had been transfered to the Norman Speciality Hospital within the last few weeks for extended recovery and rehabilitation.
After a highly-decorated military career as a combat cameraman during World War II, Hockman came to OU to learn how to make educational films. After earning a degree in social science and history educaiton in 1949, he began a career in teaching and filmmaking at OU that lasted more than 40 years.
Hockman established and directed OU's Film and Video Studies Program in 1949 while also working as OU's official cinematographer for the college's athletic department, pioneering the use of sports action clips by television stations in sports reports. He sent more than 250 filmed action clips out to television stations across the nation. Hockman also co-produced one of the country's first nationally-syndicated sports television programs, a show featuring OU football coach Bud Wilkinson.
During the Korean War Hockman was recalled into the service as a combat cameraman and unit commander, flying many combat missions before retiring from the United States Air Force Reserves as a lieutenant colonel.
During his earlier military career, in the Army Air Corps, Hockman had been trained and worked in the Army's first motion picture unit, in Culver City, CA, working in the offices of Adjutant Capt. Ronald W. Reagan (a film actor who later became the 40th President of the United States). Flying combat missions in the China, Burma, and India theaters, Hockman was decorated for his service with the Bronze Star, the Air Medal, the Asiatic Pacific Medal with Three Battle Stars, a Presidential Unit Citation, and many more honors.
At NPPA's News Video Workshop, Hockman served on the annual event's faculty while serving as the Workshop's host for more than 30 years, training professionals and students alike while carrying on his own professional career. Hockman produced more than 200 films and television programs while working on locations all over the world.
At OU he received the university's highest academic rank, the David Ross Boyd Professor of Journalism chair. Hockman was inducted into the Oklahoma Higher Education Hall of Fame, the Oklahoma Journalism Hall of Fame, and the Oklahoma Broadcasters Association Hall of Fame. He also received the state's Governor's Arts In Education Award. At OU's football stadium, a bronze plaque names the "photo deck" in Hockman's honor. He retired from OU in 1987.
NPPA recognized Hockman's long-standing achievements and service to the organization by presenting him with the Joseph A. Sprague Memorial Award in 1985. Hockman joined NPPA in 1963.
Contributions to The Ned Hockman Filmmaking Award Fund can be made by contacting Karen Renfroe at the Oklahoma University's Office of Development, 339 W. Boyd, Norman, OK, 73019.
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