The University of Miami’s School of Journalism and Media Management initiative connects diverse student creators to the booming bilingual podcast market.
The collaboration gives UM students direct access to Telemundo Studios’ resources, cultivating the next generation of Latino storytellers and strengthening South Florida’s media ecosystem.
Miami, FL – October 9, 2025 – NBCUniversal Telemundo Studios today announced the launch of an industry-first podcast incubator in partnership with the University of Miami, giving student creators access to Telemundo’s production resources, mentorship and distribution platforms.
Telemundo is the first major Spanish-language media company to embed student creators directly into its content pipeline, tapping into a generation that intuitively understands bilingual and bicultural audiences across alternative platforms. By aligning with these young voices, Telemundo strengthens its ability to deliver authentic stories while fueling demand for bilingual audio among Latino audiences.
“This initiative reflects our commitment to bringing new formats and elevating the voices shaping Spanish-language storytelling,” said Javier Pons, Chief Content Officer and Head of Telemundo Studios. “By collaborating with University of Miami students, we are opening the doors for a new generation of creators to connect with audiences in authentic and relevant ways – reinforcing Telemundo’s role as a leader in the media industry with robust experience in the audio space.”
Building a Pipeline for Hispanic Storytellers
The incubator extends Telemundo’s strategy of investing in the creators, formats and platforms shaping the future of media. With U.S. Latinos driving surging demand for digital audio, the program is designed to both meet market needs while fueling the growth of Spanish-language storytelling — empowering the voices at the center of this shift.
“This partnership reflects the University of Miami’s commitment to giving students real world experiences that prepare them for success in today’s media industry,” said Trevor Green, Associate Chair and Senior Lecturer in the Department of Journalism at the University of Miami. “Working alongside Telemundo professionals gives our students invaluable hands-on experience, helping them build confidence and learn how to tell authentic stories that connect with audiences in both English and Spanish. It’s exactly the kind of collaboration that prepares them for successful careers in media.”
Why it matters:
- Fewer than 12% of the world’s 4.2 million podcasts are produced in Spanish, underscoring a critical gap in content for Hispanic audiences.
- Nearly 50% of Latinos aged 18 and older listen to podcasts, a 72% increase since 2020.
- Hispanics spend 35% more time listening to podcasts than non-Hispanics.
- More than half of Latino podcast listeners consume content in both English and Spanish.
- Spanish-language audio overall has grown by double digits, with U.S. Hispanics driving 15% of total industry growth.
These trends underscore the urgent opportunity for Latino creators to shape an audio space that reflects their culture, interests and influence.
Telemundo x UM: Elevating New Creators
- Fresh perspectives – Students bring fresh perspectives on identity, culture, comedy, sports and mental health that resonate with Gen Z and millennial listeners.
- Authenticity – As peers of their audience, UM creators mirror everyday language and lived experiences.
- New advertising opportunities – The incubator creates space for branded storytelling and partnerships designed for highly engaged bilingual audiences.
- Long-term investment – A long-term commitment to building infrastructure for the next
“Partnering with Javier Pons and Juan Ponce (SVP, Telemundo Studios) to bring this innovative partnership to life has been a fantastic opportunity that provides us early exposure to up-and-coming creative talent that we would ideally like to see build careers with NBCUniversal Telemundo enterprises in the future,” said Ashaki Rucker, SVP, Human Resources Telemundo Enterprises and Latin America. “We’re grateful for the opportunity to expand our existing relationship with University of Miami by taking this new and innovative approach with Sallie Hughes and Trevor Green, who co-lead the School of Journalism and Media Management.”
Looking ahead, the incubator marks the next step in Telemundo’s growing audio strategy, building bridges between established brands and emerging creators. With projects already spanning Noticias Telemundo, Telemundo Deportes, and Dateline, this initiative sets the stage for bold new collaborations and storytelling formats in the entertainment space. As audiences continue to embrace bilingual and on-demand audio, Telemundo is investing not just in content, but in the future voices and ideas that will define the next era of Hispanic media.
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About NBCUniversal Telemundo Enterprises
NBCUniversal Telemundo Enterprises is a world-class media company leading the industry in the production and distribution of Spanish-language content across broadcast, cable, and digital platforms. Telemundo is the number one producer of Spanish-language scripted content in the U.S., ranking as the #1 Spanish-language network in primetime for over five consecutive years. Telemundo Global Studios, the company’s production arm, is the #1 producer of primetime Spanish-language scripted content in the U.S., delivering over 1,000 hours of original programming annually. Telemundo’s programming includes original scripted dramas, theatrical motion pictures, specials, news, live sports, and reality programming, reaching 95% of U.S. Hispanic viewers in 210 markets through 30 local stations and 50 affiliates. Telemundo is part of NBCUniversal, a subsidiary of Comcast Corporation.
Press Contacts:
Krystyna Hall
NBCUniversal Telemundo Enterprises
Krystyna.Hall@nbcuni.com
Suzzette Martínez-Malavet
NBCUniversal Telemundo Enterprises
suzzette.martinezmalavet@nbcuni.com
