The newly-promoted Meyer heads up the development and production of Univision’s non-scripted content, spanning everything from entertainment specials, reality shows, and daily variety shows to tentpole events like the Latin Grammy Awards (which earned Univision a 2020 International Emmy for Outstanding Non-English US Primetime Program). Meyer also oversaw one of TV’s first live awards show during the pandemic, “Premios Juventud,” and the COVID-safe production of the reality show “Tu Cara Me Suena,” which outperformed ABC, FOX, and The CW among adults 18-34 when it premiered in October 2020. “As a mission-driven company—to entertain, inform, and empower the Hispanic community—Univision has always championed these causes and has a long-standing history of giving a voice to an underserved and underrepresented community,” he says. “We understand that despite the major advances recently achieved, the work goes on. We will continue to use our unique position to amplify critical messages and advance this vital work.”
Do you think there has been significant progress on DEI in the industry in the past year?
In the past year, we have seen concerted efforts across the industry to make significant progress on DEI with major shifts on the charts and increased diversity at record labels and boards. As a mission-driven company – to entertain, inform, and empower the Hispanic community – Univision has always championed these causes and has a long-standing history of giving a voice to an underserved and underrepresented community. We understand that despite the major advances recently achieved, the work goes on. We will continue to use our unique position to amplify critical messages and advance this vital work.
Best initiative to come out of one of your company’s Employee Resource Groups?
To continue with the conversation around diversity, equity, and inclusion across the country, passionate and vocal employees at Univision came together to form Kulture. The newly created employee resource group is first and foremost an inclusive, safe environment for all employees to connect with one another around the issues black, indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC), face and how to affect positive change – both internally and externally. With chapters across the country, the group celebrates the diverse cultures that make up Univision and hosts guest speakers and events for employees to learn about the issues as well as opportunities for volunteering and community development.
What’s been the most dramatic change in your sector of the business today vs. three years ago?
The biggest change today is having to produce shows amidst a global pandemic while maintaining the quality our audience expects of us. The challenges imposed by the restrictions have made us re-think our creative process to deliver high quality productions that are safe for everyone involved and, at the same time, keep our audience at the center of everything. As an example, “Premios Juventud” (PJ) 2020 became the first live award show, regardless of language, to feature live performances during the pandemic. Always keeping the audience top of mind, we included a virtual wall that featured live viewers during the broadcast. As times keep changing, we have been adapting to the new rules, and in the summer of 2021 “PJ” was our first awards show to feature a live audience.
Despite the circumstances, Univision’s productions have continued to deliver big cultural moments, keeping the connection to our audience through the power music.
Which celebrity do you think is setting a strong example for the next generation, and why?
One of the silver linings during these trying times has been to see so many celebrities step up and set a good example for the next generation. At Univision, we spotlight those who are making a difference with the “Agent of Change” award, a prestigious recognition that we give during “Premios Juventud.” The artists that have been recognized include Daddy Yankee (2021), Ricky Martin (2020), Becky G (2020), Pitbull (2020), Jesse & Joy (2019), and Maluma (2019).
