Broadcasters face tough regulations on premium-rate phone-ins

by Jennifer Whitehead, Brand Republic 19-Feb-08, 10:30

LONDON - Television companies face tough new regulations on premium-rate phone-ins and will take ultimate responsibility for any compliance issues, even if they are the fault of other suppliers, in new conditions laid down by Ofcom today.

The changes are recommended in a report commissioned by Ofcom last July in response to a series of phone-in scandals on programmes such as 'Richard and Judy', 'Saturday Kitchen', GMTV and 'Blue Peter'.

The new rules, including spot checks on phone-ins and independent, third-party verification, will become part of the mandatory licence conditions for television broadcasters, following an enquiry headed by Richard Ayre.

Separately, PhonepayPlus, which regulates premium phone services, will require the companies potentially offering such services to the broadcast industry to seek its permission first.

Ofcom has levied a total of £3.5m in fines against broadcasters following a series of scandals, in which it was revealed that callers were being charged for phoning in after competitions had already closed.

The new conditions are aimed at boosting audience confidence in the UK broadcast industry as well as ensuring any breaches are uncovered at an early stage.

Ed Richards, chief executive of Ofcom, said: "Viewers must be confident that they will be treated fairly and consistently when interacting with television programmes. These measures will ensure that broadcasters are directly accountable and give greater protection for all."