Juan Carlos Rodriguez

Over the past year, Rodriguez has scored one goal after the next. His victories include the acquisition of exclusive Spanish-language media rights to some of the most important properties and tournaments in sports. Next year, Univision Deportes will broadcast Copa America Centenario, a soccer event 100 years in the making with two major soccer confederations—CONCACAF and CONMEBOL. “In just 3 years,” Rodriguez says, “UDN outperformed ESPN 2, Fox Sports 1 and NBC Sports Network, among others. This is a true testament to the power of our content and the growth of soccer among fanaticos in the U.S.”

What’s your biggest professional accomplishment in the past 12 months?

In July, Univision Deportes Network set new ratings records, tying with ESPN for No. 1 among Men 18-34 and ranking No. 2 among Total Viewers 2+, Adults 18-49 and Adults 18-34, outperforming every cable sports network besides ESPN in primetime, regardless of language. In just 3 years, UDN outperformed ESPN 2, Fox Sports 1 and NBC Sports Network, among others and this is a true testament to the power of our content and the growth of soccer among fanaticos in the U.S.

How can cable better support diversity?

I believe that it can do it in many ways. From a corporate perspective, the industry can support diversity by continuing to foster it in the workplace and within the organizations. From networks and content producers to distributors, the industry as a whole benefits form a diverse environment. From a consumer’s perspective, the cable industry can support diversity by not only by continuing to offer content that serves different audiences but by providing diverse groups with a platform to have their voices heard. Cable has the opportunity to be the place where different voices and diverse points of view converge.

What’s been the biggest story in cable this year?

Well, now that you are asking: for me the biggest story is the fact that in July, UDN tied ESPN as the No.1 sports cable network in M18–34 regardless of language. In my view this is a great example of the diversity existing not only in the cable industry but also in the sports market in general. The American sports fan has spoken…in Spanish.

How do you define success?

It is very simple: doing something that I am passionate about, surrounded by a great group of people and having lots of fun doing it.