Ofcom to investigate premium rate telephone lines

by Ellen Bennett, Media Week 22-Mar-07, 13:00

LONDON - Ofcom has waded into the ongoing scandal over premium rate telephone lines with a confirmation that it is to launch an inquiry.

The inquiry will be led by Richard Ayre, a non-executive member of the Ofcom content board and will include extensive input from ICSTIS, the premium rate services regulator.

It will examine consumer protection issues and audience attitude's to the use of premium rate services; the benefits and risks to broadcasters of the use of premium rate services, the responsibilities of those involved and the effectiveness of compliance procedures.

Shows implicated in the scandal over viewers paying up to £1.50 a minute to cast votes that are not counted include Channel 4's Richard & Judy, ITV's Dancing on Ice and the BBC's Blue Peter.

Ayre is expected to report by early summer.