Elevated to her newly created position in January, Rodriguez oversees daily operations of UCI networks. Heavily involved in marketing functions across the entire Univision Agency, Rodriguez is the driving force of some of UCI’s most successful campaigns. “Closing the diversity gap in storytelling is essential to the future of the entertainment industry as it ensures we are echoing the narratives of today,” she says. “One way we are addressing this is through our pilot season process with our partners at Televisa, ensuring we tell more inclusive stories relevant to our Latino audiences.”
A February 2018 UCLA study revealed that of the 45 new scripted shows approved for 2017-18 across broadcast, cable and digital platforms, only four were from creators of color, all of whom were black. What is your reaction to this report?
We absolutely need to do better. There is much room to grow and this report only creates more awareness of the disparities the industry is facing to support and empower emerging storytellers. Closing the diversity gap in storytelling is essential to the future of the entertainment industry as it ensures we are echoing the narratives of today. One way we are addressing this is through our pilot season process with our partners at Televisa, ensuring we tell more inclusive stories relevant to our Latino audiences.
What’s your best advice to someone just entering the video content/distribution industry?
To have a sense of agility, and nimbleness in this ever changing, fast paced business. This requires an intellectual curiosity not just at the beginning of your career but throughout your career. If you want to be at the forefront of change and evolution in this business having those qualities are paramount
What’s been the most dramatic change in your sector of the business today vs. three years ago?
The proliferation of choices is the most dramatic market difference I’m seeing throughout the cable industry. It takes on different forms- from the incredible and vast choices in programming across cable, SVOD, OTT, etc. to the choices around cutting the cord and skinny bundles. More than ever there is a curation of content never before seen. It requires more creativity, innovation, agility and risk taking than ever before.
