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I did read all the posts and I also work in the industry, but I am not a DJ. If you read case law, you'll know that you can find precedent for either side. I don't condone the DJ's actions, but I also don't support what has become an overly litigious society. Since when did people start becoming so naive as to think that they really could get something for nothing? Has ANY radio station in the HISTORY of radio EVER given away $100,000 in CASH just because you were the 10th caller on no particular night without it being some HUGE weeks long, way over-promoted contest? $100 maybe, but never $100,000. At some point people have to learn to use their own brains and stop depending on our courts to compensate them for being incompetent when it comes to being able to think for themselves.

The whole point of those giant give aways is to get listeners over very large periods of time (generally weeks or months) so that they can sell major amounts of advertising (usually during "sweeps" periods which is when advertising rates are set). And often huge give aways like those are nationwide. I don't think being stupid, naiver or unable to take a joke entitles you to collect punitive damages because you were the butt of said joke.

Ever seen those fake lottery tickets? Has anyone ever successfully sued the manufacturer of those novelty items or the person that gave them one as a "joke"? How about a successful lawsuit against someone who video taped an enthusiastic reaction to what the dupe thought was a winning ticket only to find out it was a cruel joke and then to find themselves further humiliated on national television when the videotape aired on America's Funniest Home Videos? How is this radio incident any different?