Draft:Walo Dávila

Walo HD (Walo Dávila)

Promotional portrait of Walo Dávila, also known as Walo HD, Puerto Rican multiplatform host and producer. Licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 by Walo HD, LLC.

Walo HD, the artistic name of Walo Dávila, is a Puerto Rican radio and television host, producer, and content creator. With over 25 years of experience, he has worked in media in Puerto Rico and the United States, standing out for his work in social critique and entertainment. He is best known as the creator of Nación Chancleta, a political satire program that combines humor and analysis of public affairs.

Early life and education

Walo studied Theater, Electronic Music, and Business Administration at the University of Puerto Rico. He began his media career as a host and producer at AM 81 (WKVM-AM) and as a sound engineer at the Luis A. Ferré Performing Arts Center.

Professional career

Radio

Walo began his career in radio in 1995 as a host and producer, working at stations such as La Mega Estación (106.9 FM) and Cosmos 94. He produced notable programs like:

• El Vacilón de la Mañana (Cosmos 94, 1999), hosted by Raymond Arrieta and Eric Valcourt.
• Café con Leche (Fidelity 95.7, 2001), hosted by Lily García, Otilio Warrington "Bizcocho," and Yan Ruiz.
• A Son de Salsa (Z-93, 2002), featuring Marcos Rodríguez "El Cacique," Alí Warrington, and Cano Estremera.

Between 2006 and 2018, he served as Program Director for Univisión Radio, managing stations such as WRTO-FM (Miami) and WXNY-FM (New York). During this time, he worked with talents like Enrique Santos, Javier Romero, and Luis Jiménez. Since 2018, he has worked as the Program Director at iHeartRadio, overseeing the programming of WZTU-FM (TÚ 94.9) in Miami, which received the Marconi Award as "Spanish-Language Station of the Year" in 2022.

Television

Walo worked as a producer on the following television projects:

• Super Xclusivo (WAPA-TV, 2000), starring the character La Comay, created by producer and puppeteer Kobbo Santarrosa. Walo collaborated as the General Producer.
• Zúmbate (WAPA-TV, 2002), a prank show produced by Agustín Rosario. Walo collaborated as the General Producer and also produced successful specials such as Zúmbate desde New York and Zúmbate desde México.
• Qué Suerte (Univision Puerto Rico, 2003), where he was a panelist providing commentary on current events alongside producer and host Héctor Marcano.
• Los 6 de la Tarde (WLII-DT, 2015), where he contributed satirical political commentary. He collaborated with Filipo Tirado Jr., who used political puppets to add a critical and humorous perspective to the show.
• Sálvese Quien Pueda (Telemundo Puerto Rico, 2003), a Puerto Rican adaptation of Saturday Night Live, where Walo was part of the cast of comedians.

In 2013, Walo founded Nación Chancleta, a political satire program initially broadcast on WKAQ 580. This multiplatform project, which combines humor, analysis, and audience participation, expanded to 99.1 Salsoul in 2023. The program became a platform for political critique and satire, engaging audiences through radio, social media, and live events.

Awards and recognition

In 2008, Walo received the Shining Star Radio Award from Univisión for his work as Program Director of WRTO-FM in Miami. In 2017, he was honored with the Único Award by Univisión for his contributions before, during, and after the passage of Hurricane Irma in Miami and Hurricane María in Puerto Rico. In 2022, his work as Program Director of WZTU-FM (TÚ 94.9) at iHeartMedia contributed to the station being awarded the Marconi Award as "Spanish-Language Station of the Year" by the National Association of Broadcasters.

Style and impact

Walo’s style combines political satire and social critique with a focus on connecting with the public. This has made him a prominent figure in media analysis in Puerto Rico. His collaborations with creators like Filipo Tirado Jr. further exemplify his commitment to merging humor and social commentary to engage and inform audiences effectively.