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Beeb unveils comp code

22/11/2007

The BBC has responded to recent scandals by launching a code of conduct for its television, radio and online competitions.

The corporation suspended all phone-in competitions in July after serious editorial breaches were found in a number of shows, including flagship children's programme Blue Peter.

And the falsification of a live contest on Blue Peter also led to a £50,000 fine from media watchdog Ofcom.

In response to the failings, director general Mark Thompson has today launched a new code of conduct for all competitions, which stresses that winners must be "genuine" and that all entrants "should have a fair chance of winning".

"Whatever pressures there may be to 'keep the show on the air', the BBC must never compromise its editorial integrity," his statement reads.

"If things go wrong with running a competition or vote we will not cover it up or falsify the outcome."

Mr Thompson added: "Trust is the BBC's most important value and we must never do anything that may undermine that trust. That belief is shared by the BBC's programme makers.

"The new code will enable audiences to have a clear understanding of what they should expect in the conduct of competitions and votes on the BBC.

"Audiences enjoy interacting with BBC programmes and output. It's important that they can do so with confidence at all times."

The BBC hopes to resume phone-in competitions before the end of the year.