Thank you for your very kind comments.

Be well,
Bob

– for posting Dan O’Day’s powerful response to the Sacramento tragedy.

– for featuring Stephanie’s response. (voices.com)

– for adding your credibility – your voice – to the many who have been horrified by this incident.

– for wanting something better from radio.

– for caring.

Kudos to you.

G. Faith Klassen

Thank you for linking to our post on VOX Daily and also for sharing your thoughts.

I hope that our collective posts will strike a nerve for the better.

Best wishes,

Stephanie

Thank you for your thoughtful comments.

Be well,
Bob

Thanks for posting this, I agree very much with Dan’s comments. It is my understanding that by participating in a contest in which the rules are up-front, you are ’signing away’ your rights in the event of catastrophy. Again, this may be wrong, it is just my understanding.

I once worked for a station that had listeners dig through an above ground pool full of mud for a key to a 4-wheeler. About 30 people participated which astonished me. The mud was carolina red clay and people were getting stuck (and hurt), not to mention the awful smell (I’m still convinced there was some sort of animal ‘extra’ in the dirt). I remember being visibly upset about the contest, and actually got in trouble for asking over the loud speaker if everyone was ok, and letting them know they could leave at any time. It was humiliating, and was one of the initial reasons I wanted out of morning radio.

I clearly remember a time when radio (and tv) were about clever writing and wholesome comedy. It is easy to think of stupid stunts, it is a challenge to come up with real entertainment. Like Peter, I am also saddened by what I see on tv. Parents don’t have a chance at raising a child with strong moral values with shows like ‘My Sweet Sixteen’ and ‘The OC’ around. (My 16 year old neice is proof of the deceptions of tv- she has such a warped view of reality)

I am so sad for the family of this woman, and the families of anyone hurt or killed in a silly contest. Until people stop participating, watching, and listening, these stations aren’t going to stop.

Thanks Bob,
Kara

Thank you for your comments. I’m not positive, but I believe the local law enforcement authorities would be in charge of a specific matter like this.

And I’m confident that if the citizens petition the FCC for action, further action would be possible.

be well,
Bob

Thank you for posting Dan’s article. I actually felt sick just reading it and cannot even imagine the pain and loss that these stunts and similar ones have produced.

Perhaps there should be more severe legislation in place so that people cannot conduct contests that may endanger others on the air or in public.

Does the FCC handle any of the fallout? Who is responsible?

I checked out their page on indecent and profane programs. I personally would consider what happened in Sacramento to fall into this category.

Here’s a link:

FCC Obscenity, Indecency & Profanity

Does anyone have any thoughts on this?

Thanks,

Stephanie

Thank you both for stopping by and commenting. Peter, I certainly agree that there are consequences to the way things have been drifting.

And thank you again, Dan, for permission to republish your commentary.

Be well,
Bob

Dan is of course correct. And the problem isn’t solely commercial radio’s problem…its societal. Radio has just helped move the discussion along in a most disasterous way.

Humiliation is now a form of sport in our world. We seem to find no moral disconnect by increasingly making ourselves feel better about ourselves while laughing (unsympathetically) at the discomfort or ignorance of others.

Whether it’s a Judge Judy show, a Survivor show or an American Idol show where some of their most popular shows are the “awful” contestant shows, we’ve all been taking way to much glee in other people’s misfortunes. It why I don’t watch much TV these days.

We still are among the most generous and caring of societies, but I think the twenty something and the teens of today are growing up with an entirely different attitude of what is acceptable behavior towards each other.

And I’m not sure how yet, but I just know this behavior going to come back and collectively bite us in the ass one of these days.

Thanks for the article.

- Peter