Elisa Segovia

Segovia’s programming savvy resulted in Univision’s enviable position as one of 2020’s top TV networks in the 18-24 demographic—broadcast or cable, English- or Spanish-language. It also led to her recent promotion to SVP. Her success stems from prioritizing diverse content that is inclusive of the broader Latinx experience, including LGBTQ+ storylines like the one in Univision’s Brazilian series, “Dulce Ambicion.” “It’s more important than ever for broadcasters to listen to their audiences and reflect the true diversity found within those groups,” she says. “The past year showed me that our audience is craving content that showcases the diversity within the Hispanic community here in the United States, and broadcasters must meet that need head-on.” As a founding member of Univision’s employee resource group eMERGE, Segovia advocates for young professionals in the company, but she also supports external leadership programs like WICT’s Betsy Magness Leadership Institute.

 

Do you think there has been significant progress on DEI in the industry in the past year?
Absolutely. It’s more important than ever for broadcasters to listen to their audiences and reflect the true diversity found within those groups. The past year showed me that our audience is craving content that showcases the diversity within the Hispanic community here in the United States, and broadcasters must meet that need head-on. From our primetime programming to our “Unidos Somos Uno” campaign, “Se Habla USA” specials and “Real Talk” digital panel series, we are making strides. We have been reminded how important it is for our audiences, for us personally, and how important it is for us to continue to take action. The industry still has more work to do and I am encouraged that more progress will be made.

What’s been the most dramatic change in your sector of the business today vs three years ago?
There has been a noticeable shift within the last three years to consistently drive innovation and change in the content we create and air; not only is it a strategic imperative, it’s also the new normal. We’ve had to learn how to stay nimble in a media environment where content is king, now more than ever. Broadcasters need to find new ways to innovate and using technology in order to stay relevant with audiences moving forward.

My best advice for fostering open, honest communication is…
As a leader, one of the most important things you can do to foster positive communication is to approach each conversation with a genuine desire to listen, learn and understand. When you lead with humility, empathy and an open mind, you open the door to new ideas and allow creativity and innovation to flourish.

Honored For: