Local Radio Morning Show Hoax Stirs Controversy
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Posted: 9:11 PM Nov 19, 2009
Local Radio Morning Show Hoax Stirs Controversy
The Bay County Sheriff's Office launched an investigation Thursday morning after a caller to Island 106 admitted to neglecting her eleven month old baby.
Reporter: Matt de Nesnera
Email Address: matthew.denesnera@wjhg.com
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A caller on Island 106's "That Guy" Kramer morning show admitted to leaving her eleven-month old baby girl alone while she ran errands or went to dinner.

"Allison" said, "I set her up with the home phone, and put it in her bed. I call it from my cell phone, keep my Bluetooth in my ear the whole time."

The hosts must have been expecting some controversy over the call, given the way they prefaced the segment. Steve Kramer said, "Part of this could come off as illegal. So, don't be calling me. I don't even know her real name, to be honest with you, I don't know. Police, don't call me."

But, authorities did. Bay County Sheriff's officials say they received calls from concerned listeners. Investigators stopped by the Island 106 studios to try to learn "Allison's" real name.

Capt. Jimmy Stanford said, "Once we explained to them the critical nature of this incident, they were more forthcoming and that's when we learned that this was a 'bit' made up."

Stanford says radio employees admitted a disc-jockey from out of state made the hoax call. But, for many listeners, it seemed real.

Caller Louretta said, "Leaving a baby home alone at eleven months old is against the law." Caller Erin said, "When you have a child, you give up your right to a life."

The segment sparked conversation amongst the hosts, too. Co-host Miguel Fuller said, "As a single parent, there are things that you have to do that you don't like to that sometimes aren't the wisest things, but how else are you supposed to get that stuff done?"

Co-host Holly O'Connor said, "I don't think it comes down to this is something that, this isn't the wisest thing. This is a bad thing!"

But, authorities say there is no room for debate. Leaving an infant alone is not only unlawful, but extremely dangerous; they say anybody who does it will be arrested.

Sheriff's officials say they don't expect to press charges in this incident. Representatives from Island 106 did not return our calls.


Latest Comments

Posted by: George Location: PCB on Nov 22, 2009 at 04:10 PM

Terri--It's not about being in a small market. It's about a judgment call. And this happened to be a poor one. And for SAMANTHA: Island 106 isn't a TV station, it's radio station. Get it right. This particular incident definitely stirred up controversy given the nature of the topic. When your dealing with a human life, it's not a joking matter. I love Island 106 and every morning on my short commute to work, I listen. And most times I catch myself saying "NO WAYY!!" or "I can't believe she said that" but, this is just rediculous and like I said a poor judgment call on the morning crew. But life goes on right?
Posted by: Missy Location: Panama City on Nov 22, 2009 at 08:25 AM

Samantha, after this, you do not know what is real and what isnt. You probaly do find it very entertaining. Than again you probaly make sure you do not miss an episode of Jerry Springer either. Which is also very real also. I can "honestly" say how jealous I am to have not had the chance to be on their show.
Posted by: Terri Location: PCB on Nov 22, 2009 at 07:26 AM

This stunt was in extremely poor taste. It is time for change in the morning at Island 106. This is typical for small-minded group of individuals who think they will "make it big" by attempting to do stuff like done in LA or New York. Shut up and play the music....
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