You’re probably wondering how an AI voice is making waves in the radio industry. Coyotec, a synthetic voice developed by Entravision, has become a breakout star on José 97.5 FM in Los Angeles. But not everyone is happy about it.
What Is Coyotec?
Coyotec isn’t a robot DJ. It’s an AI chatbot built using ElevenLabs technology, designed to mimic the voice of Entravision Audio president Eduardo Maytorena. The character is a working-class Latino man in his 30s, complete with a leather jacket and mustache. On the show Al Aire y Sin Permiso, Coyotec engages in conversations with human co-host Geraldine “GeeGee” Guzman, responding to topics like local elections and immigration enforcement.
How Does It Work?
Coyotec can’t hold a conversation for more than about 10 minutes before its responses start to degrade. That’s why Guzman records the show in four segments, weaving in and out of AI-generated content. Despite being programmed to follow broadcast standards, Coyotec occasionally slips up — swearing or going silent mid-segment. When that happens, Guzman jumps in to salvage the conversation.
Why Is It Controversial?
Entravision says Coyotec’s ability to deliver ad pitches verbatim is a major selling point. The show, which started as a weekend program in September 2025, quickly moved to weekday morning drive time. Now it’s expanding across Entravision’s network, including Sacramento, Las Vegas, and El Paso. The company is also adapting it for English-language and bilingual audiences — a clear sign they see Coyotec as more than just a novelty.
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What Are the Concerns?
Labor unions and radio workers are sounding the alarm. The show has grown rapidly, with Entravision reporting a 75% increase in weekly cume among Hispanic men aged 25 to 54. However, those numbers come from Entravision itself — not an independent audit. It’s unclear how much of that growth is due to Coyotec, or if other factors like promotions and scheduling played a role.
The Human Perspective
Radio workers worry that AI hosts like Coyotec could replace human talent, especially in an industry already struggling with job losses. Since 2019, the sector has lost roughly 19,000 jobs. Unions argue that AI-driven shows risk eroding the personal connection that makes radio special — a concern echoed by critics who say voice cloning could make it harder for real hosts to stand out.
Global Implications
The global conversation around AI’s role in media is heating up — and radio isn’t immune. Australian workers are also pushing for more control over how AI is used in their workplaces, according to a recent report. Practitioners say it’s a double-edged sword — AI can help stations cut costs and reach new audiences, but it also raises serious questions about fairness, creativity, and the future of human talent.
So, is Coyotec a glimpse into the future — or just another tech experiment that’s out of touch? The answer might depend on who you ask. But one thing is clear: as AI continues to shape the media landscape, the voices of humans are getting harder to ignore.
