Enrique R. Martinez
Despite spending six months of 2015 dividing his time between DLA-USH and DNI’s Asia Pacific business, Martinez managed Discovery Networks Latin America to its third consecutive year of record ratings, boasting the highest-ever ratings for the company’s Latin America portfolio. Under his watch Discovery also acquired a 27.5 percent stake in Bethia Communicationes S.A., which is the parent company of Mega, Chile’s leading free-to-air network, and he launched Discovery K!ds Play in Latin America. Although there is room for improvement, particularly in the C-suite, “The pay TV industry has always distinguished itself for the opportunities it has provided to make television more diverse, and I would have to say ‘diversity’ is a core element of this industry,” he says.
What grade do you give the cable industry on diversity and why?
The pay TV industry has always distinguished itself for the opportunities it has provided to make television more diverse, and I would have to say “diversity” is a core element of this industry. There is always room for improvement – and it would be great to see more women and minorities at the C Suite level and across organizational boards – here is where representation lacks and undoubtedly talent abounds.
The technology that will most benefit cable over the next year is…
I believe that pay TV has to look for ways to offer our programming to anyone, anywhere on any platform they choose to view it on and as programmers and operators we must find sensible business models. We as an industry slowed down regulatory moves toward a la carte etc., but you can’t stop technology and consumer behavior.
What television show/s – cable or broadcast – best embrace diversity?
“Modern Family” is definitely one that comes to mind for broadcast; and on cable, I have to say, our network TLC does a very good job of telling remarkably real-life stories without judgment. Tales of everyday heart, humor, hope and human connection. And Discovery Channel has also pursued greater diversity in its talent, shows and story lines over the past several years.
My personal election campaign slogan would be…
Embrace change, learn, grow, adapt.
Favorite charity organization you work with?
The WOW Center. Besides being Chairman of the Board, I am WOWed by WOW and its purpose, and have actively been involved in supporting the center for over a decade. Formerly known as Community Habilitation Center, the WOW Center was organized in the early 1970s thanks to the efforts of a small group of parents of children with developmental disabilities (autism, cerebral palsy, intellectual disabilities, Down syndrome, Prader-Willi syndrome, spina bifida). The WOW Center is an Adult Day Training center that currently supports and serves over 170 adults with developmental disabilities from Miami-Dade County who range in ages from 21 to 76. Since its founding, The WOW Center has broadened its programs and activities and amassed an enviable reputation throughout South Florida.
