Bizbirije: You Are in Charge!

After earning a BA in Graphic Design from the University of the Americas at 22, I was recruited by Patricia Arriaga, then Director of Children’s Programming at Canal 11 TV, Mexico’s public cultural television channel, as Creative Director / Head of Design for the Graphic Design Department. I led a team of six illustrators and designers, overseeing on-screen and print projects in identity, promotion, spot development, and show design. This role allowed me to establish my vision, dedication, and commitment to high-quality work, shaping the foundation for everything I have done since.

On November 25, 1996, Bizbirije, the first children’s production by Canal 11 and the first created under Patricia Arriaga’s newly established Children’s Programming Direction, premiered. Designed in a magazine-style format similar to a news broadcast, it stood out for its unique approach—young viewers became “reporters,” creating their own stories. The show ran for nearly 14 years without interruption, leaving a lasting impact on its audience.

Initially, Bizbirije debuted as a segment within Ventana de Colores, Canal Once’s children’s programming block that featured educational and interactive content aimed at engaging young audiences through storytelling, games, and exploration. Its growing popularity soon led to its expansion into a half-hour standalone program, becaming more than just a television show; it was a platform that encouraged children to actively participate in their surroundings, take on the role of reporters, and share their perspectives. The program’s influence became evident when Canal Once received thousands upon thousands of applications for reporter credentials—far exceeding expectations.

In words of Patricia Arriaga:

“We never imagined the huge impact the program would have among children. We printed 300 reporter credentials to meet the demand until the end of the yearbut on the very first Monday it aired, we received 2,200 applications. On Tuesday, 2,400 and 3,500 by Friday. The children blocked the calls Central Ticket Master for the first time in its history.”

Even years after it ended in 2006, nostalgia for the program remained strong. Bizbirije’s impact on fostering children’s creativity and self-expression, along with its emphasis on meaningful engagement with their surroundings, underscores its significance and lasting legacy in Mexico’s educational television landscape