Sac Radio: FCC Designates KDND License Renewals For Hearing

UPDATE 10/28/16 2PM:  Entercom CEO David Field has released the following statement concerning KDND-FM:

“What happened at KDND in 2007 was a terrible tragedy that pains us deeply. 

Throughout our 48-year history, we have had a steadfast commitment to being a caring and responsible corporate citizen, firmly committed to public service. We take great pride in all of the work we have done to serve our communities. Nonetheless, we fully recognize that all of our good work cannot undo that tragic event nine years ago. 

We do believe it is important to note that the jury that heard this case concluded that Entercom Communications Corp. was not negligent. What happened was the result of unauthorized and appalling actions by certain station employees who violated corporate procedures. None of that diminishes our sadness and we remain committed to continuous improvement in our efforts to serve the public.”

Earlier Posting...

The death of a contest participant is at the core of a FCC order for a hearing desgination for the 2005 and 2013 license renewals for Entercom's Top40 KDND 107.9 FM The End in Sacramento.

The Commission has cited petitions to deny from Media Action Center and Ed Stolz and an informal objection by Roger Smith for the hearing designation.

According to the FCC "Information now before the Commission raises serious questions as to whether Entercom operated Station KDND in the public interest during the most recent license term."

The "Hold Your Wee for a Wii" contest was staged in January 2007. by the hosts of the KDND-FM "Morning Rave" show.

Jennifer Lea Strange, 28, died after participating in the water-drinking contest to win a Nintendo Wii video game system, valued at $250.  During the contest, local media reported  a listener - self-identified as a nurse - called the live radio broadcast and warned that the game was dangerous.

"I want to say that those people drinking all that water can get sick and die from water intoxication," said the caller.

"Yeah, we're aware of that," replied a DJ. "They signed releases so we're not responsible, okay?"

During the contest, participants were given two minutes to drink an 8-ounce bottle of water and then given another bottle to drink after a 10-minute break.  Strange was second to last to stop drinking, and when she bowed out, she did say on the air that she was not feeling well.

In all, according to witness reports, Strange may have drunk nearly two gallons. Afterward, she appeared ill. About five hours later, Strange – who had three children - was found dead by her mother at her home in the Sacramento suburb of Rancho Cordova.

During the contest, participants were given two minutes to drink an 8-ounce bottle of water and then given another bottle to drink after a 10-minute break.

According to the Sacramento County coroner, autopsy findings indicated she died of water intoxication.

In 2009 Strange’s husband won $16.5 million compensation in a wrongful death lawsuit against Entercom.

A total of ten station employees were fired for "violating terms of their employment agreements". Among those fired were Program Director Steve Weed, now SVP/Programming for iHeartMedia for Central California,  morning hosts Steve Maney, currently at WNKS Charlotte, Lukas Cox, currently at KRBB Wichita, and Trish Sweet, currently Jayde Donovan, a cohost on the morning show at WPLJ-FM in New York.