Welcome to our updated blog post where we delve into a scandalous event that rocked the radio industry in 2007. In this post, we will revisit the intriguing case of a former KVI- promotions coordinator who was charged with first-degree theft for allegedly rigging a radio contest. We’ll retrace the steps of the investigation, detailing how the illicit scheme came to light, and the subsequent legal implications for those involved. As we look back at this fascinating episode, we’ll also reflect on the measures that have been put in place since then to ensure the integrity of radio contests in our current year, 2025.
The Alleged Scam
A former KVI- promotions coordinator was charged with first-degree theft for allegedly rigging a radio contest to pocket some of the winnings, and 14 others allegedly involved in the scam were charged with second-degree theft.
The Contest and the Accused
From Feb. 6 to March 30, 2007, KVI 570- ran a Secret Listener Salute, in which names were three times daily. Prosecutors said Ryan Elizabeth Keeley, 26, the station’s promotions coordinator, was responsible for selecting contest names from two databases. Police alleged that she gave names of associates rather than legitimate winners. Keeley left the station in the summer of 2007.
The Investigation
In December 2007 or January 2008, one of the winners, Allen Edward Chapman, was contacted to turn in his W-9 tax form. He later told KVI staff the contest was rigged. Chapman, Bergstrom and Johnson are among the 14 people charged in King County Superior Court with second-degree theft. First- and second-degree theft is a felony.
The Admittance
On June 3, 2009, Seattle Police Detective Philip Wall took a taped statement from Keeley, who admitted to helping Chapman, Bergstrom, Johnson and four others win the KVI contest. Last August, police seized bank records for two savings accounts Keeley opened at Wells Fargo Bank. An arraignment is scheduled for Feb. 16.
The scam was reported in 2008 by the human resources manager for Fir Broadcasting Inc., KVI’s parent company. The company contacted police on advisement of the Federal Communications Commission, which Fir had contacted learning of the alleged scam. Keeley later found work at an espresso stand, according to a 2008 Seattle police report.
#MusicScandal #RadioIndustry #KVI_AM #ContestRigging #LegalImplications
