Radio Host 'Piolín' Agreed To Leave After 10 Years With Network, Univision Says

FILE - In this Oct. 17, 2008 file photo, Mexican-American radio personality Eddie "Piolin" Sotelo records his show "Piolin por la Manana" at a radio studio in Glendale, Calif. (AP)

Radio host Eddie "Piolín" Sotelo had agreed to leave after a decade with the network, Univision Radio said on Thursday.

The statement came after Sotelo's show was abruptly removed from the air, shocking loyal listeners of the Mexican-born disc jockey known for helping propel immigrant supporters into the streets in 2006 to protest an anti-illegal immigration bill.

No reason was given for the decision to yank Sotelo's program, which was lagging in ratings behind another Mexican regional morning drive-time program and ranked sixth in the Los Angeles-Orange County market in June, according to Arbitron.

Univision said in the statement that Sotelo had broadcast his final show on Monday. The program was syndicated nationally to more than 50 stations.

Univision declined to immediately provide ratings for Sotelo's show in other markets.

Sotelo, who was recently elected to the National Radio Hall of Fame, said in the Univision statement that he had a great run on Univision. A message left for his manager Rudy Franco was not immediately returned.

Sotelo spoke often of his own immigrant experience — a message that resonated with listeners. He crossed the border illegally as a teenager, grew up in Santa Ana and became an American citizen in a widely publicized ceremony in 2008.

The radio personality whose nickname means "Tweety Bird" played corny jokes and pranks on the air but also hosted politicians including President Obama to discuss issues such as immigration reform.

Sotelo has also voiced roles in "Beverly Hills Chihuahua" and other movies.

Based on reporting by the Associated Press.