The Good, The Bad, And The Ugly: 5 Shocking Facts About The El Bueno, La Mala Y El Feo Radio Empire

The iconic, nationally syndicated Spanish-language radio show, El Bueno, La Mala y El Feo (The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly), continues to dominate the airwaves and digital platforms, maintaining its status as a powerhouse in Hispanic media. As of this December 2025, the show remains a blend of sharp humor, current events commentary, and celebrity interviews, captivating millions of listeners across the United States. Its success, however, has recently been intertwined with significant behind-the-scenes drama, including a high-profile ratings controversy that rocked the industry and solidified the show's place in the media spotlight.

The program's current dynamic—led by Raúl Molinar, Paola Sasso, and Andrés Maldonado—has kept the morning commute lively, but the show's journey has been marked by lineup changes and intense scrutiny over its massive audience reach. From political heavyweights using the show as a platform to a major probe into its audience numbers, El Bueno, La Mala y El Feo is more than just a radio show; it’s a cultural and political force.

The Dynamic Trio: Current Hosts’ Biographies and Profiles

The success of the show hinges on the distinct personalities of its hosts, each embodying a specific archetype to create comedic tension and relatable conversations. The current lineup brings a fresh energy while maintaining the show’s signature format.

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Raúl Molinar ("El Bueno")

• Role: "El Bueno" (The Good One), the show's main anchor and voice of reason.
• Career Highlights: Molinar is a radio veteran with a long and established career in Spanish-language media. He is known for his calm demeanor and ability to steer the conversation, offering a balanced perspective on the show's often-wild topics. His experience provides the foundational authority for the program.
• Trivia: His long career has made him one of the most recognizable voices in Hispanic morning radio.

Paola Sasso ("La Mala")

• Role: "La Mala" (The Bad One), the charismatic female co-host known for her bold opinions and sharp wit.
• Origin: Mexican media personality, model, and major social media influencer.
• Career Highlights: Sasso transitioned into the show after gaining significant popularity as a television host and model. She brings a modern, youthful, and often controversial perspective to the show's discussions, embodying the "Mala" role with style and confidence. Her digital presence has been instrumental in expanding the show's reach to younger audiences.

Andrés Maldonado ("El Feo")

• Role: "El Feo" (The Ugly One), the comedic relief and the host who often pushes the boundaries of humor and social commentary.
• Origin: Born in Ciudad Obregón, Sonora, Mexico.
• Biography: Maldonado's personal story is a testament to the "American Dream." He famously crossed the border at age 17 on a freight train, beginning his journey to success in the United States. This background gives him a unique and relatable perspective on the immigrant experience and cultural issues, which he often incorporates into his comedic segments.

(Note: Previous notable hosts who defined the show include Carla Medrano and Sylvia Del Valle, known as "La Bronca.")

The Shocking Ratings Controversy and Univision’s Response

In a major development that highlighted the show's massive economic influence, El Bueno, La Mala y El Feo was at the center of a significant radio ratings manipulation probe.

The controversy began when the show's Los Angeles affiliate, KSCA, suddenly "leapfrogged" to the No. 1 spot in the market's highly competitive morning drive ratings. This unexpected surge prompted Nielsen, the ratings agency, to launch an investigation into the possibility of ratings manipulation. The stakes were incredibly high, as advertising revenue is directly tied to these audience numbers.

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Ultimately, the probe concluded without sanctioning Univision, the parent company. However, the fallout was swift and severe. A radio station executive was reportedly fired over the inflated ratings, sending a clear message across the industry about the integrity of audience measurement. This event, though controversial, underscored just how dominant and valuable the El Bueno, La Mala y El Feo brand is to the Spanish-language media landscape.

Beyond the Airwaves: Political Influence and Digital Dominance

The show's reach extends far beyond traditional radio, cementing its status as a major media entity through political engagement and a powerful digital strategy.

A Platform for Political Heavyweights

The show’s massive listenership among the Latino community has made it a crucial stop for political figures seeking to connect with a key demographic. High-profile politicians, including the Vice Presidential nominee and various Governors, have appeared on the show to pitch their economic plans and discuss current events. This level of political access demonstrates the show's influence as a modern, must-listen source of information for millions of Hispanic voters.

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The Uforia Podcast Network Powerhouse

Recognizing the shift in media consumption, the show has successfully expanded its brand into the podcasting world. The El Bueno, La Mala y El Feo podcast is now one of the fastest-growing programs on the Uforia Podcast Network. It consistently ranks among the Top 30 Comedy and Interview podcasts, showcasing its adaptability and the hosts' ability to engage audiences in a non-traditional format. This digital success has introduced the show to a new generation of listeners who prefer on-demand content.

The Secret to Longevity: Humor, Relatability, and Topical Authority

The enduring appeal of El Bueno, La Mala y El Feo lies in its formulaic yet dynamic approach. The show is known for its balanced blend of humor, current hits, and social sarcasm. Topics range from lighthearted celebrity gossip to deep dives into current events, always delivered with comedic anecdotes and parodies by some of the best Latino comedians in the U.S.

The hosts’ ability to tackle sensitive or complex issues with a mix of respect and irreverence keeps the conversation fresh and engaging. The show's commitment to audience engagement, often featuring listener call-ins and relatable stories, fosters a sense of community that few other programs can match. This connection is the true engine behind its continued topical authority and dominance in the morning radio slot.

Future Outlook: What’s Next for the Radio Juggernaut?

With the current lineup firmly in place and a proven track record of weathering controversies, the future of El Bueno, La Mala y El Feo looks bright. The show’s ability to draw in major political figures and maintain its Top 30 podcast ranking ensures its relevance in both traditional and digital media. As long as "El Bueno," "La Mala," and "El Feo" continue to deliver their signature blend of entertainment and hard-hitting commentary, the show will remain the undisputed leader in Spanish-language syndicated radio.