FCC Slaps KKDA/Dallas with $4000 Fine Over Contest

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The FCC has slapped Service Broadcasting's Urban KKDA-FM (K104)/Dallas with a $4000 fine for neglecting to announce the material terms of a contest and failing to conduct the contest as announced. In April, 2008, K104 failed to award the announced prize of VIP tickets to be "up close and personal with Nelly," at Nelly's Blackout Party at the Opus Lounge in Dallas.

The complainant alleged that K104's promotional announcements led listeners to believe that they would win VIP tickets that would allow them to "meet and/or be around Nelly." But, according to the complaint, after the listeners waited in the VIP line for over half an hour, the winners learned that their tickets only covered general admission with no special access privileges.

The Commission rejected Service's claims that its announcements and staff's interaction with contest winners clearly indicated that the passes would provide contest winners concert entry without having to wait in line. The agency noted that contrary to Service's claims, the announcements were indeed deceptive.

KKDA now has 10 days to pay the fine or appeal the fine.