Rita Tuzon

Tuzon and her team have been busy this year leading Fox’s legal challenges in taking the fight to ad-skipping feature DISH Hopper and the Aereo streaming service, but she’s already looking ahead to expanding digital initiatives and content opportunities, especially with the growing sports platform. A well-respected mentor herself, Tuzon says her father, a farm worker and immigrant from the Philippines, was also one of her best mentors. “All we heard growing up was an unwavering confidence in hard work and education opening every door,” she says. “Although he passed away when I was 22, his belief in the fairness, opportunity and obligation to help others in America has always guided me.”

What’s the definition of diversity in 2014, and how can the cable industry do better in the area of inclusiveness?

Diversity means openness to all others and embracing a diverse workplace. The key to doing that is not simply in  hiring but nurturing, mentoring and promoting to retain talent and to provide career paths for team members.

Who has been your strongest mentor, and why?

My dad was a farmworker and immigrant from the Philippines. All we heard growing up was an unwavering confidence in hard work and education opening every door. Although he passed away when I was 22, his belief in the fairness, opportunity and obligation to help others in America has always guided me.

What qualities do you look for when making a new hire?

In hiring, promoting and nurturing talent,  I  look for bright people with a great work ethic and an eagerness to learn and truly be part of a team. We have very high standards that are not just dependent  on a traditional resume or a pedigree. And interestingly  we also have the most diverse group of professionals at Fox Networks Group.