MIAMI, Florida – TelevisaUnivision, the media company that operates Univision network, has made significant personnel cuts in recent days, resulting in the cancellation of the long-running sports show “República Deportiva.” The decision to cut hundreds of jobs and axe the popular show after nearly 25 years on air has raised concerns about the network’s future direction.
Although Univision has not officially confirmed the number of layoffs or the specifics of talent departures, reports indicate that about 200 employees were let go. The cuts have affected high-profile figures in both the news and sports departments across local and network levels. Notable individuals include Sandra Peebles, a longtime news anchor at Univision 23, and Félix Fernández, co-host of “República Deportiva.”
In addition to these departures, Teresa Rodríguez, a fixture at the network since 1982, has left her role as co-host of “Aquí y Ahora.” She had recently shifted her focus to launching and hosting the network’s “Univisionarios” segment, which aimed to honor the contributions of Latinos in the United States. While Rodríguez is said to be continuing collaboration with Univision, the extent of her involvement following these layoffs remains uncertain.
The affected talent list is still emerging, and more names are expected to be revealed once their exits are confirmed. However, the full scope of the layoffs and show cancellations remains undisclosed.
In a statement, a spokesperson for TelevisaUnivision acknowledged the company’s necessity to adapt to the evolving media landscape. They emphasized the need for “efficiencies and cost-cutting measures” to meet current demands and secure the company’s future. The spokesperson expressed appreciation for the impacted employees and assured assistance and support during their transition.
Meanwhile, as part of its efforts to strengthen its business model and address market demands, TelevisaUnivision has announced the addition of a premium ad-supported tier to its ViX streaming service. This new offering will serve as an expansion to the platform, which has received significant investment from the company.
The recent layoffs and the cancellation of “República Deportiva” signal significant shifts within Univision and raise questions about the network’s strategic direction. As the media landscape continues to evolve, TelevisaUnivision faces the challenge of adapting while retaining its reputation as a leading provider of Spanish-language content. The impact of these changes will be closely monitored by industry observers and viewers alike.