Juan Carlos Rodriguez
Rodriguez led Univision Deportes Network to its best year yet in 2014. The network set records in Q1, maintaining its ranking as the No. 1 Spanish-language cable sports network with triple-digit percentages in primetime. A record 81 million total viewers tuned in for the World Cup, up an astounding 65% from 2010. Rodriguez’s investment in Univision Deportes paid off handsomely. “This year more than ever, we focused on building best-in-class production and state-ofthe- art technology for our sports properties,” he says. Those developments include a new mobile app and augmented reality graphics never before seen on soccer coverage in the U.S., and complete integration of digital and social media.
What’s the definition of diversity in 2014 and how can the cable industry do better in the area of inclusiveness?
With an always evolving audience and new technology where content is offered, diversity challenges grow exponentially.
At Univision Deportes, we have to offer live events and editorial content that is appealing to both our audience preferences and the ways that media is consumed.
Diversity is also an opportunity to bring new audiences to our products.
We have invested millions of dollars in sports rights that are right in the bullseye of the market.
We at Univision Deportes are uniquely placed to deliver against diversity as our organization is comprised of people from a myriad of backgrounds and experiences from across the globe which add to our keen understanding of what our viewers want and how we can give them the experiences they’re looking for.
What’s been your company’s biggest innovation this year?
Univision Deportes continues to evolve to meet the needs and wants of our audience. This year more than ever, we focused on building best-in-class production and state-of-the-art technology for our sports properties, including a new mobile app and augmented reality graphics never before seen on soccer coverage in the U.S., and complete integration of digital and social media.