It’s a newly created position, one that will see a newly arriving executive take on the task of overseeing the development and execution of programming for Telemundo.
This 25-year veteran will report to Ronald Day.
He’s the President of Entertainment and Content Strategy at NBCUniversal Telemundo Enterprises, and now assisting him is Sandra Smester, who takes the title of Executive Vice President of Programming and Content Development.
Smester will be responsible for prime-time and daytime programming, content acquisitions, program planning and scheduling, and the company’s cable network, Universo.
“She will leverage more than 25 years of experience in programming Spanish-language content for U.S. Hispanic audiences to lead content programming across Telemundo networks,” NBCU notes.
In her role, Smester will be responsible for long and short-term program planning and scheduling, while working closely with future development and current production teams, as well as Telemundo Global Studios.
“Sandra is a world-class media executive and a savvy programmer with a keen eye for great content, a long history of programming innovation, and a deep understanding of the U.S. Hispanic media space,” said Day. “She’s achieved impressive results at every stage of her career and is uniquely positioned to power Telemundo’s continued leadership, overseeing our best-in-class programming serving Latino audiences.”
Smester added, “I’m thrilled to be joining the Telemundo leadership team in this new role to support the continued growth of the business. For years Telemundo has offered groundbreaking content, taking risks with innovative programming decisions and bringing a contemporary approach to our industry. I look forward to continuing in that tradition, deepening the connection with their existing audiences and creating new Telemundo superfans along the way.”
Previously, Smester was the Executive Vice President and General Manager of Azteca UNO, where she led the broadcast network through its brand transition and unprecedented performance of TV Azteca during the 2018 FIFA World Cup.
Prior to that, Smester held a series of leadership positions at Univision Communications, advancing to the role of Executive Vice President of Programming. She spent nine years at the company before moving to Mexico City in late 2017 for the TV Azteca position.
Smester holds a B.S. in Communication and Media Studies from Florida International University in Miami.
