TelevisaUnivision CEO, Wade Davis, sent a memo to staff on Tuesday addressing the backlash the network faced after a controversial interview with former President Trump that some viewed as too friendly. In the memo, Davis emphasized that the company’s nonpartisan approach to news remains steadfast, and that the interview with Trump was conducted because he is the current Republican frontrunner, according to the polls, and was the first interview with a Republican president, either former or current, on the network in 22 years.
Davis also stated that the network has reached out to President Biden for an interview on reciprocal terms. He stressed that Univision will continue to provide Democrats, Republicans, and independents with an equal voice in their coverage of the 2024 election, and he hopes that they will be judged based on the entirety of their coverage.
In addition, Davis highlighted the crucial role Univision plays among Hispanic voters, who have become an increasingly important voting block. He emphasized that Hispanics are diverse, dynamic, and not uniform in their political views, and that Univision is committed to serving its audience without being swayed by partisan interests.
Following the interview, the Congressional Hispanic Caucus requested a meeting with Davis, expressing concerns that the interview may be “preventing the spread of mis- and disinformation in Latino communities.” Actor and producer John Leguizamo also called for a boycott of the network, referring to it as “Magavision.” Furthermore, Univision anchor Leon Krauze left the company last week, raising questions about whether his departure was related to the controversial interview.
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In the memo, Davis expressed gratitude to the entire team and acknowledged the continued press coverage surrounding the interview with former President Trump. He highlighted the company’s recognition of the importance of engaging with the Hispanic community, particularly in the context of the upcoming 2024 Presidential election, where the Hispanic vote is expected to play a crucial role.
Davis emphasized Univision’s commitment to a nonpartisan and objective news strategy, welcoming competing issues, ideas, candidates, and parties. He stressed that the network serves its audience by remaining neutral and providing a space for varied voices, reflecting a dedication to the values that underpin civic life in a democracy.
To execute this strategy, Davis stated that the company is aligned behind Univision News President, Daniel Coronell, and emphasized the importance of focus and attention from all constituencies within TelevisaUnivision.
The full memo is a clear indication of Univision’s commitment to presenting balanced and comprehensive coverage of political events and engaging with diverse viewpoints. It also demonstrates their understanding of the responsibility they have to their audience, particularly within the Hispanic community.
Ultimately, the memo reflects a strong stance on maintaining the network’s integrity as an independent news organization, free from the influence of any political party or organization. It reaffirms Univision’s commitment to providing accurate and impactful news coverage to its audience while navigating the complexities of the political landscape.
