Welcome to Poder 97.1 FM Rochester's First
24-hour Latin Radio Station!​

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Nuestra Misión

The mission of Poder Latino 97.1 is to provide a voice for the communities we serve while reinforcing civic and cultural diversity by providing a trusted source of information, music, and entrainment.

History of Poder

Founder: Ibero American Action League, Inc.

First Time on-air: November 30, 2015

WEPL known on air as ‘El Poder Latino” licensed in by the Federal Communications Commission (Facility Details « Licensing and Management System Admin « FCC).  Poder 97.1 FM was the first 24hr radio station in the state of New York, outside of NYC. The station is owned and operated by Ibero American Action League as a low-power radio with a 5 miles radius. Our vision is to be the voice of the community, for the community. Bringing a new and much needed resource to the Latino community in Rochester, New York. As a dual-language radio station, provides music and education capsules that highlight and inform individuals and families in the city. WEPL featured a variety of music, news, and talks in a dual-lingual environment with a focus on Latin music.  Hector Arguinzoni, with 45 years of experience on the field, was our first DJ to ever go live at Poder. The first off air song played was Juliana by DLG and the first broadcasted song on air was Vivir La Vida by Mark Anthony.

Mambo In The Morning - Johnny Mambo

Johnny Mambo

His over 20 years of experience as a host and DJ has provided Mambo the versatility and ability to read a crowd has allowed him the opportunity to open shows for many different national performing latino artists Like Bad Bunny, Plan B, Charlie Cruz, Frankie Negron And more. Mambo is currently a resident DJ for the Puerto Rican Festival of Rochester And The Rochester Red Wings Baseball Team.

Jun Jun Rivera

Luis “Jun Jun” Rivera studied at the “La academia de disc jockey Marianito Artau” in 1983. His career began in “Super 90” with Domingo Martinez Jr. in 1986 to 2003. In 2004 his talent granted him the opportunity to work for Salsa 1030 in Florida. Counting with over 30 years of broadcasting experience he brings an energetic and dynamic personality are sure to give you that much needed midday boost to improve your day.

EL JNGUEO - Jun Jun Rivera
Sabor Y Clave - Jr Gonzalez

Junior Gonzalez

Junior was born and raised in Rochester NY, both parents are from Puerto Rico. Junior has over 37 years as a Dj and still active, has many years as a musician and have played with several local bands and musicians, worked as a court interpreter for the Public Defender’s office, a labor he enjoyed very much. “It was a great experience”!  Junior was also a part of W.R.U.R Radio Station for over 5yrs as a radio host. And has been a part of the Poder 97.1 family for over 7yrs and counting. “I enjoy being a part of such a great and talented family, I couldn’t see myself doing anything else… music is my life…  tune in to ‘Sabor y Clave’ to hear the best and newest salsa music every Friday and Sunday”! 

Hector Arguinzoni

Hector was our first DJ on air when Poder 97.1 went live for the first time. With over 45 years experience as a club DJ and musician there was no question Hector was the best man for the job.

La Zona Musical - Hector Arguinzoni
Onda Tropical - Don Geland

Don Geland

Geland, from Guayama Puerto Rico, arrived in Rochester NY in 1965, where he assisted Benjamin Franklin H.S. His passion was music, he wanted to be a musician and a singer.  In 1971, on Broad Street near Orange Street, Geland attended Victor Antonetti Sr. rehearsals to see him play and listen to his music. In 1972 he began to sing with El Grupo Geland & Los Borincanos with gigs up to 3 times a week, playing romantic and danceable music. Throughout his life he made 8 record productions. From 1976 to 1979 hosted a radio show on WDKX, that’s how his DJ career began, thanks to Angel Cotto. In 1980, 3WG AM was another station where he hosted. By 1981, “El Show de Geland, was the first television program on American cable in Rochester. Geland was also invited as a guest at Telemundo and WAPA between 1989-1990.  Geland Musician, Singer, and Local entrepreneur.  “Thank you to Poder 97.1 and Ibero for the opportunity to be part of the radio station.”

Ida Perez

Ida Pérez has been a supporter of 97.1FM from the very beginning, she was one of the few people at the studio when Poder first went on the air. She is the host of “Su Hora Informativa”, the first show on Poder that brings important information on any topic that helps with the quality of life for our Latino community. She is the creator of “A Minute for Children”, a series of 60 second capsules on different early childhood development topics. She also does several of the voice overs and helps with Poder’s development in our community.

Su Hora Informativa - Ida Perez
Musiqueando Y Pico - Eddie DTP Urbano

Eddie DTP

Betsy La Colombiana

From Bogota, Colombia, immigrated to California in 1997. High School and College helped me with my language barrier, up to this point I continue my studies Majoring in business administration. At age 17 I started imitating Shakira, as a joke and hobby, because I followed and listened to her music. This hobby opened doors for me to start making my first bucks by participating in various events. From there being an artist grew on me and I became more involved in the world of entertainment. At age 18, I became a choir and dancer for “Teffy y Los Felinos”, then I worked as a TV host for “Todo Puede Pasar”.  I also worked for “Hips Don’t lie” by Shakira, and “Los Galleros” by Los Malandrines, and among other artists/ groups- Group like ANGELES DE FUEGO” and “THE BOMBOBABIES”. I participated in a Soap called “FOTO NOVELA”. Then I became a host for my own show at an amazing Broadcasting Radio called Sala Max Live., Today I work as a CPA. I am a minister and a public notary. My extroverted, energetic, and charismatic personality can be appreciated on Pura candela a show I currently host for Poder 97.1 Fm.  My dedication and hard work can speak for itself.

Pura Candela -Betazy La Columbiana
La Hora Explosiva - DJ Kay

DJ Kay

Don Vellon

Arrived in the early 70s to Rochester, N.Y. Worked at Eastman Kodak for 13 years. In the early 80s Nemesio “Vellon” Martinez became a member of the Ibero American Board of Directors. In late 80s he became president of the Puerto Rican Festival for two consecutive years. And was one of the founders Spanish Action Coalition. He also was the producer of “La Voz Latina” WBER 90.5 FM & WWWG 1460 AM. In the 70s, Mr. Martinez was admitted to the permanent diaconate program in the diocese of Rochester NY and was ordered on April 17, 1982. As a permanent deacon he was assigned to the Monroe County jail to assist the Latino population and in 1992 was assigned as full time Catholic Chaplain at Livingston Correctional Facility for 28 long years. His first assignments were at Mount Carmel church & Monroe County jail. Currently Vellon is assigned to Holy Apostoles Church in the westside of the city of Rochester, NY. Our dearest Vellon brought the Idea to Ibero to get this radio station started.   

INTERNACIONAL---Don-Vellon
The House Party - DJ Lou Rock

Lou Rock

Victor Manuel

El Clásico, has been on the radio for more than 30 years.  On Sundays at 6:00 pm, he produces “The Salsa Musical Conclave.”  I have been collaborating on the programming of El Poder Latino de Rochester WEPL 97.1 for a year and a half. He hopes our listeners tune in to the program they like.

El-Conclave-Musical----Victor-Manuel

Los Pioneros

Narrando las historias de los primeros latinos de Rochester mejor conocidos como “Los Pioneros”. 

Domingos a las 6 pm

Sponsorships

Providing your organization the megaphone you need to reach and get the attention of the growing Spanish speaking customer base in the Rochester area.

Información Requerida

Call in your request today!

(585) 270-5900

214 Clifford Avenue
Rochester, NY 14621

Poder 97.1 logo WEPL