ICSTIS Outlines Plan To Tackle Phone-In Controversy

A range of measures have been announced in response to the premium rate phone-in debacle, with ICSTIS saying that it will introduce systematic monitoring of broadcasters and a licensing regime for premium rate service providers.

The ICSTIS chairman, Sir Alistair Graham, said his priority was to ensure viewers got a “fair deal” from broadcasters, after the recent controversy surrounding premium-rate phone-ins and interactive services.

Four of the main terrestrial broadcasters have been involved in the controversy, with Five being the latest channel to suspend its main quiz show (see Five Suspends Brainteaser Amidst Phone-In Controversy).

Graham said he would be writing a letter to broadcasters by the end of Monday asking them “to carry out a review of current and forthcoming participation TV programming to ensure there’s no risk of consumer harm”.

He added that he expected the findings to be relayed to ICSTIS within two weeks.

The rules of participation TV competitions should be published in a “complete, accurate and easily understood” format, including on broadcasters’ websites, added Graham.

He also said that the regulatory body was considering an industry-wide “trustmark” or “quality standard” in a further bid to build up public trust in participation TV.

His proposals followed intensive talks with broadcasters and producers this morning aimed at removing fears that phone-in competitions have exploited viewers.

The company also says it has not ruled out police involvement if any of the production companies involved in phone-in participation TV are suspected of fraud.

Graham also warned broadcasters, producers and premium-rate service providers that the regulator would be prepared to impose “heavy fines” if it emerged that its code has been breached.

ICSTIS: www.icstis.org.uk