Eddie El Piolín Sotelo has been an iconic figure in U.S. Hispanic radio, recognized for his charisma and connection with the Latino community. Over the years, he has faced challenges and controversies that have shaped his career and media presence.
With his mix of humor, advice and sometimes controversial commentary, El Piolín has managed to stay relevant and continue to connect with the Hispanic community, both on the radio and on platforms such as Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.
His beginnings in radio
Born on December 1, 1972 in Ocotlán, Jalisco, Mexico, Eddie Sotelo immigrated to the United States at the age of 16, settling in Santa Ana, California.
His foray into radio began in the 1990s, but it was in 2003 that he achieved national fame with “El Piolín de la Mañana”, a morning show broadcast from KSCA-FM in Los Angeles and syndicated on more than 50 stations nationwide.
The program combined humor, music and discussions on issues relevant to the immigrant community, and was noted for its support of immigration reform in 2006.
Controversies and challenges
In July 2013, “El Piolín de la Mañana” was abruptly cancelled.
Subsequently, allegations of sexual harassment arose from a former employee, Alberto Cortez, who claimed to have been a victim of inappropriate behavior by Sotelo for three years.
These allegations included inappropriate touching and offensive comments, as reported at the time by Telemundo.
In addition, the alleged forgery of letters of support for immigration reform was reported.
Sotelo strongly denied these accusations and, through his lawyer, described them as extortion attempts.
In response, Sotelo filed a lawsuit against six former collaborators, accusing them of conspiracy and extortion for US$4.9 million.
However, the lawsuit was dismissed in March 2014, and a Los Angeles judge ordered Sotelo to pay $100,000 in legal fees to the defendants.
Transition to the digital world
Following his departure from Univision, Sotelo joined SiriusXM in 2013, launching “Piolín Radio,” a Spanish-language entertainment channel that included his new show, “El Show de Piolín.”
This move marked its transition to the digital world and allowed it to reach audiences in the United States, Mexico and Canada.
Despite the controversies, Sotelo’s contribution to radio has been recognized.
In 2013, he was inducted into the Radio Hall of Fame, highlighting his influence in Hispanic broadcasting and his role in advocating for immigrant rights.
Future of El Piolín as an influencer
As of 2025, Eddie “El Piolín” Sotelo continues to be active in the field of communication, adapting to new digital trends.
His program is broadcast on digital platforms and maintains a presence on social networks, where he interacts with his audience and addresses issues of interest to the Latino community.
For Hispanics living in the United States, Sotelo’s story is a reflection of the opportunities and challenges faced by immigrants.
His journey from crossing the border as an undocumented immigrant to becoming an influential voice inspires many to pursue their dreams and stand up for their rights.
In addition, his participation in immigration policy debates and his support for the community have left a significant mark.
With its growing social media presence, El Piolin is proving that talent and authenticity transcend platforms.
His ability to adapt to new trends confirms that he will continue to be a relevant figure among Hispanics in the United States.
The talented announcer and influencer knows how to reach his audience with his jokes
QuéOnnda.com
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