As Senior Vice President of Scripted Content and Development at NBCUniversal Telemundo Enterprises, Monica Albuquerque leads content strategy and development for the company’s renowned studios. With over three decades of industry experience, she joins a distinguished global panel of innovative storytellers and media leaders: The New York Festivals TV & Film Awards Advisory Board.

New York Festivals: What are the most significant shifts you've seen in the way content is produced and consumed over the last few years, and how has that influenced Telemundo's approach to storytelling?

The storytelling landscape has completely shifted in the past couple of years — and at Telemundo, we've welcomed these changes with open arms and open minds.

Audiences today are no longer sitting on the couch at 8 p.m. sharp waiting for a show to start, but they’re watching a Super Series© on the Telemundo App, catching breaking news on TikTok, and getting sports highlights on their phones between meetings. Content lives everywhere now—and so do we. We've reimagined the way we create and distribute stories, building experiences that move fluidly across screens, platforms, and formats—without ever losing the soul of our storytelling. They want stories that meet them where they are – and that’s exactly what we’ve done: we’ve expanded how we tell stories, adapting content across platforms without ever losing the heart of our message.

But this shift isn’t just about where or how people watch—it’s about why  they watch. Today’s audiences are demanding a seat at the table, they want to participate and see themselves reflected in the stories and content they consume. At Telemundo, we’ve invested in nurturing the US Latino experience—amplifying diverse voices, real stories, and characters that represent who we are. It’s storytelling with purpose.

At Telemundo, we don’t just follow trends—we listen. And by listening, we’ve had the courage to evolve, to take creative risks, and to stay connected to what matters most: our audience. Whether it’s Entertainment, News, or Sports, our mission remains the same—to move people. To build a lasting connection through stories that matter.

New York Festivals: What do you think is the most important factor when developing a character for a new show on Telemundo? Is it their backstory, personality, or something else?

All those elements—backstory, personality, motivations—are necessary for us to approach storytelling with authenticity.

Our audience connects deeply with characters who feel real, who reflect their struggles, dreams, contradictions, and complexities. A compelling backstory can pull viewers in, and a bold personality might entertain, but if a character doesn’t feel authentic to our culture and our lived experiences, it won’t resonate. That’s why we spend time grounding our characters in truth —not just what makes them interesting, but what makes them human.

We ask: Would this person exist in the real world? Would our audience recognize them? Root for them? See themselves in them, or someone they know? When the answer is yes, that’s when a character truly comes to life.

At Telemundo, we have the privilege—and responsibility—of creating characters who represent the diversity and depth of the Latino experience. That means embracing flaws, resilience, passion, and pride. Whether it’s a fierce protagonist in a reality or a relatable figure in a drama, it all starts with telling the truth. And from there, everything else—story arcs, chemistry, evolution—can shine.

New York Festivals: What do you see as the future of content strategy at Telemundo? Are there emerging trends or new formats that you’re excited to explore in upcoming programming?

The future of content strategy at Telemundo is rooted in purpose, powered by innovation, and driven by our audience. As storytelling evolves, so do the ways we reach, engage, and empower our viewers across genres, formats, and platforms. We’re especially excited about emerging trends like interactivity and personalization, where audiences don’t just consume content, they actively participate in it. Whether through immersive experiences, branching narratives, or localized storytelling, we’re creating more personal, resonant connections.

At the same time, we’re doubling down on local productions with global impact — stories that are culturally authentic and emotionally universal. Diversity remains our North Star, shaping both who we represent on screen and who creates behind the scenes. AI and data are sharpening our insights and helping us tailor content journeys, but the heart of our strategy remains human-led storytelling.

Dominating every genre — from entertainment and news to sports — Telemundo is harnessing its multiplatform reach to craft narratives that define culture today while paving the way forward. Across every screen, we celebrate and elevate U.S. Latinos, ensuring their voices continue to shape the American story of tomorrow.

New York Festivals: How do you see the U.S. Hispanic consumer shaping the media landscape, and what role does Telemundo play in catering to this important audience?

The U.S. Hispanic consumer is not just shaping the media landscape; they are defining it. From setting cultural trends in music, fashion, and food to driving economic influence across industries, Latinos are at the forefront of innovation. They’re not passive consumers; they are creators, influencers, and leaders of the cultural movement.

At Telemundo, we understand that this audience demands more than just content — they want stories that speak to their lives, passions, and complexities. As the demand for authentic Latino storytelling has never been greater, Telemundo is at the forefront, crafting moments that not only entertain but unite communities, families, and friends. Through narratives that reflect our shared values and interests, we foster deep connections that resonate across generations —from abuelas to young professionals—capturing the essence of our identities. More than just a network, we are a cultural connector, transforming what "community" means by honoring the stories that reflect and represent Latinos as they are. 

In this evolving landscape, Telemundo isn’t just keeping up; we’re leading the way, ensuring that the U.S. Hispanic audience remains at the heart of everything we create. We’re the center of gravity for the Latino culture.

New York Festivals: With so many platforms competing for attention, how does Telemundo ensure its content stands out and continues to engage viewers across linear, streaming, and digital spaces?

In a competitive media landscape, Telemundo ensures its content stands out by delivering what matters most to U.S. Latinos—live, relevant, and culturally resonant experiences. For Latinos, live content is more than entertainment. It keeps them informed, brings families together, and strengthens community ties, all while helping them navigate life in America.

With over 70% of our programming airing live, Telemundo is the unrivaled home of live Spanish-language television. From edge-of-your-seat sporting events and must-watch entertainment franchises to up-to-the-minute breaking news, we offer a dynamic slate that bridges generations and sparks meaningful conversations.

Telemundo dominates across every genre—entertainment, news, and sports—while leveraging its expansive multiplatform reach to craft the narratives that define our culture today and shape it for tomorrow. Whether on linear TV, streaming, or digital platforms, Telemundo is a constant force, celebrating and elevating Latino voices and ensuring they remain at the center of the American story.

Across every screen, Telemundo connects, engages, and celebrates Latino audiences—making it the ultimate destination for shared experiences and cultural pride.