Former participants tell the Weekly that during the audition and orientation, Lewis explains that a radio syndication network is available to ARN, and that participants will have an opportunity to host their own broadcast show.
Once the initial audition and orientation are completed, the new "hosts" are required to pay a fee for continued involvement.
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The initial administrative fee is $40. Participants say ARN also suggests new hosts purchase a press pass from them for $95.
Hannan says of the press pass, "I was told that the pass would allow me into movie premieres and things of that nature. I figured if things didn't work out, I would at least get my money back in movie tickets." She says she quickly found out otherwise.
Following a second orientation, participants say new hosts are required to pay a weekly production fee and are expected to immediately begin producing — having no prior experience or training — a complete, 30-minute weekly show.
Hannan describes her experience working with an ARN producer and trainer at the Anaheim location: "I'm a smart woman, and she was making fun of me and telling me how stupid I was. This went on for three or four weeks and then I just stopped going. I gave them $150 the first night and paid each week in advance for production fees. When I quit, they sent me another bill for $35."
Clark dropped out before producing his first show but says, "They sent me a bill for six weeks of production time at $24 per week. I didn't attend any of the production sessions but still received an invoice for $144."
Like Hannan and Clark, many who crossed paths with American Radio Network were at a time in their lives when they needed work. Many apparently hoped the ARN experience would help them earn some money and launch a career.
Instead, the experience cost them money they couldn't spare, and left them with few new marketable skills.
When the Weekly contacted Lewis, he refused to comment on complaints lodged by paying participants.
However, Lewis confirmed that he has received a "cease and desist" letter from Wolfgang's Vault, demanding that American Radio Network immediately stop using the King Biscuit name. Of that, he said: "I'm not happy about it."
