AI Radio Co-Host Coyotec Draws Listeners and Human Pushback in Los Angeles

Summary

Coyotec, an AI co-host on Los Angeles’ José FM, has helped move a Spanish-language morning show from a weekend slot into weekday commuting hours as the station reports rising listenership. The bot was created for banter about local news, sports and immigration raids, initially in Spanish and now also in English, and the show is expanding to stations in Sacramento, Modesto, Palm Springs, Las Vegas, El Paso and elsewhere. DJ Geraldine “GeeGee” Guzman uploads topics to the software, which uses a large language model to generate takes and live repartee. Coyotec can produce unexpected comments, occasionally swears despite restrictions, and struggles with voice conversations longer than 10 minutes, so Guzman records the program in four segments. Entravision says the show attracted more Latino male listeners ages 25 to 54, although it is unclear how much of the increase came from Guzman or the AI. The company says AI development and operation cost more than hiring some humans, but programmable verbatim advertising pitches have generated revenue. Across radio, broadcasters are using synthetic hosts and AI for scheduling, show preparation and ads as employment declines. SAG-AFTRA and human DJs warn that synthetic personalities could displace workers and weaken radio’s personal connection, while Guzman says Coyotec has helped create jobs and reach a larger audience.