This AI Radio Host Speaks Spanish and Backs Immigrants. It’s Winning Over Listeners
wired ·
Entravision has launched Coyotec, a bilingual AI radio cohost on Los Angeles station José 97.5 FM, which supports immigrant communities and speaks out against ICE raids. Debuting in late 2025, Coyotec partners with human broadcaster Geraldine Guzman to host the morning show Al Aire y Sin Permiso, blending cultural relevance with real-time interaction. The initiative has driven significant audience growth, particularly among younger Hispanic listeners, leading to syndication across five new markets. Built using technologies like Claude Haiku and Eleven Labs, Coyotec features a personality shaped by borderland experiences and local slang, aiming to provide solace and information during times of political uncertainty. While competitors have experimented with AI voices previously, Coyotec stands out for its proactive stance on social justice and its integration into prime-time programming. Despite its success, the move raises ethical concerns among some staff who fear job displacement and worry about AI's connection to surveillance systems targeting immigrants. Entravision maintains that its goal is to enhance community connection rather than replace human workers or engage in tracking. Ultimately, the project represents a bold experiment in using artificial intelligence to foster empathy and solidarity within Latino audiences.
wired