But those halcyon days are as dead as bell bottoms and polyester; in these extreme days listeners are required to perform humiliating tasks to qualify for radio contests.
Today we practice a kinder and gentler form of the circuses of ancient Rome. Contestants on radio shows and TV reality programs must eat insects or endure other humiliating stunts in order to win notoriety and a few bucks.
From KCRA.com:
“The Sacramento County Sheriff’s Department and Sacramento County District Attorney’s Office are launching an investigation in the death of Jennifer Strange, who was found dead in her home after taking part in a radio station water-drinking contest.”
Ms Strange did not die in order to win free college education for her children, she died to entertain a jaded audience and to win a video game console.
The radio station employees were aware that consuming large amounts of water in a short time can be deadly. But what the hell, anything for high Arbitron ratings, right?
Transcript from the radio broadcast available on KCRA.com:
The audio clips include a warning from a listener that the contest was dangerous.
Listener: “I want to say that those people drinking all that water can get sick and die from water intoxication.”
DJ: “Yeah, we’re aware of that.”
DJ: “Yeah, they signed releases so, we’re not responsible, it’s OK. (laughter) If they get to the point where they have to throw up, then they’re going to throw up and then they’re out of the contest before they die, so that’s good, right?”
The radio station that sponsored the contest, KDND, has fired the DJs, but I hope that there will be a greater punishment than just losing their jobs.
Unfortunately, according to wire reports “chances are slim that a charge of criminal negligence would ever by filed.”
I urge the good citizens of Sacramento not to listen to KDND, in my mind that would be condoning evil and possibly illegal behavior.

