Marlene Sanchez Dooner

Dooner develops initiatives and new business opportunities in the Hispanic market across the company’s platforms. She also leads financial planning, strategic initiatives and business development for Telemundo and NBC Universo. For this seasoned exec, diversity means “reflecting the cultural values of our customers and audiences in our programming, as well as behind the scenes.” The industry supports diversity by building inclusive workforces and cultures, she says. Moving forward, “networks should continue to invest in content featuring a wide range of characters that reflect real life and resonate with our audiences.” She’s proud of the work Telemundo has done with its “El Poder En Ti” campaign, which empowers viewers to improve their lives through education, health, finance and civic engagement.

What grade do you give the cable industry on diversity and why?
Grade A-. Diversity means reflecting the cultural values of our customers and audiences in our programming, as well as behind the scenes. The industry is certainly supporting diversity by continuing to build inclusive workforces and cultures so that we benefit from many perspectives. Networks should continue to invest in content featuring a wide range of characters that reflect real life and resonate with our audiences.

What television show/s – cable or broadcast – best embrace diversity?
Networks are investing in scripted and reality content diverse characters like never before, and audiences are tuning in. Shows like “The Walking Dead,” and USA’s “Queen of the South” are examples of series that are shaping this trend. At Telemundo, we are highlighting important cultural figures in upcoming mini-series such as “Cortes, Conquistador de Mexico,” and “El César,” which follows the story of Mexico’s legendary and worldwide boxing idol, Julio César Chávez.

Favorite charity organization you work with?
This year, Telemundo launched an important campaign for the Hispanic community – “El Poder En Ti,” aimed at empowering viewers to take action for a better life through education (Tu Educación), health (Tu Salud), finance (Tu Dinero) and civic engagement (#YoDecido). We are excited about this new initiative because it offers tools for individuals to drive their own success.