Juan Carlos Rodriguez

In a very short time, Rodriguez made Univision Deportes the top Spanish-language cable sports network. In June, it was the No. 1 cable sports net in primetime, period. Obtaining the exclusive Spanish-language rights to the Copa America Centenario soccer tournament made Univision Deportes the go-to network for soccer fans across the country, and ratings grew as the tournament progressed, culminating in the most-watched final match in the tournament’s history and drawing more viewers than the 2014 FIFA World Cup. Rodriguez wants the network to help others, too. In 2015 the network made a donation to Florida’s Soccer Youth Academy, which helped to renovate all training facilities and provided transportation to all matches.

What television show/s – cable or broadcast  – best embrace diversity?
In my view, Liga MX matches are a shining example of diversity in U.S. media. The soccer league games, which are the most watched soccer in the U.S. in any language, attract one of the most diverse audiences on television and celebrate the changing media landscape in the U.S.

The technology that will most benefit cable over the next year is…
Emerging technologies, including OTT, are challenging the industry and propelling us to modify and adapt to the different needs and consumption habits of our viewers.

Favorite charity organization you work with?
As a mission-driven company, every year, we aim to pay it forward to our community. In 2015, during the Univision Deportes awards ceremony, the network highlighted its efforts on behalf of a soccer club for underserved kids in Miami. UDN made a donation to Florida’s Soccer Youth Academy, which helped to renovate all training facilities and provided transportation to all matches.