AspireTV has long been a cornerstone for celebrating Black culture in all its richness and diversity. As the network continues to broaden its horizons, its latest venture includes shining a spotlight on Afro-Latinx representation with the upcoming premiere of Nochebuena. The film follows Junior as he returns home on Christmas Eve, where he’s immersed in cherished traditions, plenty of coquito, and a chance encounter with the one who got away. We sat down with Tina Rodriguez, Senior Director of Content Strategy and Acquisition at UP Entertainment, to discuss aspireTV’s expanded programming and its commitment to reflecting a wider range of Black experiences.

AspireTV has always been a platform for celebrating Black culture. How does expanding into Afro-Latinx representation with Nochebuena reflect the network’s commitment to diversity?

Tina Rodriguez: AspireTV has long celebrated Black culture, so expanding into Afro-Latinx representation with Nochebuena is a natural and essential progression in our commitment to diversity. Black culture is not monolithic; it exists across various regions, languages, and traditions, and the Afro-Latinx community is a perfect example of this richness. By introducing a film like Nochebuena, we are acknowledging the diversity within Black culture itself and highlighting the unique experiences that come from the intersection of African and Latin American heritage.

By showcasing Nochebuena, we’re saying that Afro-Latinx stories deserve to be seen, heard, and celebrated on a national stage. It’s part of our mission to create a space where diverse voices can thrive, and where audiences from all backgrounds can connect with and learn from stories that reflect a wide range of cultural perspectives.

As the Senior Director of Content Strategy & Acquisition, what are some of the key factors you consider when selecting new content to ensure it resonates with different facets of the Black community, including Afro-Latinx stories?

Rodriguez: My primary goal is to ensure that the content we select resonates with the wide and varied facets of the Black community. To achieve this, I focus on content that reflects authenticity and cultural accuracy, deeply rooted in traditions. I aim for diverse storytelling that captures the complexity of Black lives, and also incorporates the richness of Hispanic culture and the beauty of Afro-Latinx experiences across the globe. Representation, both in front of and behind the camera, is vital—it helps build a pipeline for new talent and balances entertainment with empowerment.

Do you feel a sense of responsibility, both personally and professionally, to amplify Afro-Latinx representation in media? How does that shape your work at aspireTV?

Rodriguez: Absolutely. Growing up as an Afro-Latina, I experienced the beauty of both cultures—filled with love for life, family, history, hope, and a strong work ethic. Professionally, it only makes sense to highlight Afro-Latinx cultures and showcase stories produced by Afro-Latinx creators. The experiences within this community, from family traditions to self-identity, to a deep love of family, reflect a fuller narrative of the Black diaspora.

Personally, the sense of responsibility is exciting and joyful. As I search for new content, it’s thrilling to see Afro-Latinx creators sharing stories that reflect our experiences—whether it’s through music, food, nicknames, holidays, or fashion. It all resonates, and I’m honored to be a part of making those stories visible.

How does Nochebuena differ from other holiday films on aspireTV’s slate, and why is it important to bring these types of stories to the forefront?

Rodriguez: The world premiere of Nochebuena is special because it’s more than just a holiday film—it’s a celebration of cultural richness and marks a groundbreaking moment for our network. This is the first Afro-Latinx film we’ve brought to the forefront, and it differs from our other holiday films. While holiday films often center around universal themes like family, love, and togetherness, these themes can vary widely across cultures. By showcasing an Afro-Latinx perspective, Nochebuena expands the range of what holiday joy looks like and creates space for viewers who may not always see themselves reflected in seasonal programming. It’s about making sure that everyone’s holiday experience is celebrated and that our audience sees the full breadth of who we are as a multicultural world. Representation Matters

Can you speak to aspireTV’s long-term vision when it comes to supporting and highlighting stories from underrepresented communities within the larger Black diaspora?

Rodriguez: It’s something I’m very excited about, aspireTV has always been a place where we invite viewers to “See Yourself Here.” To truly achieve that, we aim to include and expand the stories within the U.S. and beyond, incorporating more of the Black diaspora into our content offerings.

We’re looking to explore content from Caribbean filmmakers, whose work often mirrors, yet is distinct from, the African American experience. The Caribbean and Afro-Latinx communities have been underrepresented in media for too long, and aspireTV is dedicated to bringing these stories to the forefront. We are thrilled by the opportunities ahead.

What has your personal journey been like as a woman of Afro-Latinx descent navigating the entertainment industry, and how has that shaped your leadership at AspireTV?

Rodriguez: As a woman of Afro-Latinx descent, my journey has been shaped by both challenges and the power of representation. Early in my career, I sometimes hid parts of myself, unsure of whether they’d be accepted. But I’ve learned that the more you embrace your true self, the stronger you become in your role.

As an executive, my leadership is deeply rooted in championing underrepresented voices. My personal journey allows me to serve as a bridge—between communities, between viewpoints, and between barriers of the past and possibilities for the future. It’s rewarding to know that by celebrating my heritage, I’m helping pave the way for future leaders with unique perspectives. That’s the legacy I hope to leave in this industry.

Looking forward, what are some other areas or communities within the Black diaspora that aspireTV+ plans to explore through future content?

Rodriguez: In addition to Afro-Latinx content, we’ll be exploring stories from the Caribbean, Europe, and Africa, to name a few. Black culture exists everywhere, and aspireTV+ will deliver stories from underrepresented communities to our audience. I can’t wait to see what’s next.

Nochebuena premieres in December on aspireTV. Keep it locked right here for more stories about the culture.