You are in > manchester.com  > News > Big changes afoot in premium rate call shows

TV

Big changes afoot in premium rate call shows

08/03/2007

Premium rate phone lines on television shows will in the future require a licence under new plans drawn up in response to the ongoing row over interactive TV content.

A mooted licensing regime is the result of meetings today between industry watchdogs, broadcasters and programme makers.

Icstis, the regulatory body for the premium rate telecoms sector, today admitted there was a "need for change" following allegations against programme makers that it describes as serious.

"There is no doubt that the public thoroughly enjoys taking part in premium rate competitions and votes on television," said the watchdog's chairman Sir Alistair Graham.

"However, there is equally no doubt that public trust and confidence in these services has been damaged by the allegations that have been made in the last few weeks.

"It is in everyone's interest to ensure that services are reliable and trustworthy as well as entertaining and fun. Ensuring viewers get a fair deal is Icstis' absolute priority. However, responsibility for achieving this does not just rest with us," Sir Alistair went on to say.

"Premium rate service providers, programme makers and broadcasters all have a major role to play in this area, and I am pleased that everyone present today wholeheartedly supports this view."

Controversy over phone votes began last month when it emerged that Channel 4's Richard and Judy programme encouraged people to phone in for the You Say, We Pay competition when a list of competitors had already been drawn up.

Since then ITV admitted that an error led to voters using the red interactive button during X Factor being overcharged. The channel's Saturday Night Take Away is also under investigation for the same problems as You Say, We Pay.

The BBC's Saturday Kitchen also faces an investigation.

And in further developments today Channel Five suspended all programmes involving premium rate telephone services after Endemol UK informed the network of "issues" with daily quiz show Brainteaser.

"We are shocked and disappointed and wish to apologise unreservedly to our viewers. The production company involved has failed to meet the high standards we demand of our suppliers," said Five chief executive Jane Lightning.

"We have decided to suspend any output which involves any premium rate services and to appoint an external auditor, though we have found no evidence of any issues involving any programmes other than Brainteaser."

© Adfero Ltd