As a result of the agreement, WQHT (Hot 97) will pay the maximum fine of $240,000 for its illegal "Smackfest" promotions and fund an extensive anti-violence campaign, including a $60,000 payment to one of the city’s leading anti-violence organizations.
"This agreement should be a wake up call to all those in the entertainment industry who think outrageousness is a clever marketing strategy," Spitzer said. "The law establishes set boundaries that cannot be crossed to protect our community’s health and safety."
Council Member John C. Liu said: "Starting with Emmis' broadcast of racist and sexist profanity in its 'The Tsunami Song' and more recently, it's illegal 'SmackFest' prizefights, the corporate chieftains at Emmis have broken the public trust by profiting from hate and violence. Today's legal settlement is not only a victory for the New Yorkers, but will provide another incentive for Emmis’ corporate chieftains to stay within the legal and ethical bounds of our public airwaves."
The Attorney General’s Office and the State Athletic Commission began an investigation of Hot 97's promotions in March of this year. The investigation revealed that the station had sponsored 24 "Smackfest" contests between April 2004 and January 2005 in which participants, usually young women, took turns violently slapping each other. Winners of the contests were promised tickets to concerts and as much as $5,000 in cash. Video tapes of contests then were featured on the radio station’s website.
Under the agreement, Emmis Communications, the parent company of WQHT, is permanently enjoined from engaging in, conducting, promoting or profiting from such contests. Emmis will also pay the maximum fine of $10,000 per violation for a total of $240,000.
The company has also agreed to the following corrective actions:
• Hot 97 will make a $60,000 payment to Safe Horizons, a non-profit organization in New York that promotes awareness of domestic violence and conflict dispute resolution;
• Hot 97 will advertise Safe Horizons programs and services on its website and publicity vehicles for a five-month period;
• Hot 97 will broadcast a series of prime-time anti-violence public service announcements; and
• Hot 97 will sponsor special anti-violence presentations during October, National Domestic Violence Awareness Month.
- From a News Release From the Office of the New York Attorney General, Eliot Spitzer
