Miami is witnessing a significant shift as the world's largest producer of Spanish-language audio and video content embarks on what CEO Daniel Alegre deems "significant and necessary changes." These changes are set to strengthen the company's position for 2025 and beyond. The decisions are triggered, in part, by Jesus Lara's departure from TelevisaUnivision.

Internal Memo and Leadership Changes

In an internal memo shared with Radio + Television Business Report, Alegre revealed that Lara, who had risen to head TelevisaUnivision's local radio and TV assets in the US in May 2023, has decided to leave the company. The promotion of Lara to President of Local Media followed Diane Kniowski's retirement. Reporting directly to former CEO Wade Davis, Lara was responsible for leading the company's local TV and radio operations and sales efforts across the US. Alegre expressed his deep gratitude to Lara for his dedication and contributions over the past eight years.Jesus Lara's career journey is extensive. He joined what was then Univision Communications in January 2017 as GM of Digital, Content, and Entertainment for its radio division. Prior to that, he worked at Spanish Broadcasting System (SBS), serving as EVP of Digital Media Strategy from December 2013 through November 2016. From 2009 - 2014, he was a Fellow at the Americas Business Council Foundation. Professionally, he spent many years at Viacom International Media Networks (VIMN), serving as SVP/Music Programming, Marketing and Talent Strategy for MTV Internaciónl from June 2007 - July 2011. From 1998 - 2004, he held several positions at EMI Music, last as VP/Marketing and A&R out of the Miami Beach office.Lara's arrival at Univision was not part of the original plan. When hired, he took a role intended for Alejandro Nieto Molina, an executive from Grupo PRISA's Cadena SER. Nieto's appointment came in late January 2016, but he died of a heart attack at the age of 48 on Feb. 8.In response to Lara's departure, a reorganization of the US local teams is underway. Alegre is centralizing domestic advertising sales under the leadership of Donna Speciale, covering local and national, linear, digital, streaming, audio, and multiplatform video. This structure aims to ensure a single, solutions-oriented point of entry for US advertising partners. A reduction-in-force initiative is also part of the reorganization, with "workforce changes" taking place across TelevisaUnivision this week. Alegre assured that the company is committed to supporting everyone through the transition.