Ofcom Announces New Licence Conditions For TV Phone-Ins
Ofcom has announced new measures to strengthen viewer protection in participation TV, introducing new mandatory licence conditions for television broadcasters.
The new measures come after a host of phone-in scandals rocked the industry, with the watchdog handing out massive fines to Channel 4 (see Ofcom Fines Channel 4 £1.5m Over Phone In Quizzes) and GMTV (see GMTV Given £2 Million Fine).
In July, Ofcom published a report into premium rate phone services on TV which found that there were “systemic failures” with its provision and that broadcasters “appeared to be in denial about their responsibilities to ensure programmes delivered on the transactions they offered to viewers” (see Ofcom Finds ‘Systemic Failures’ In Premium Rate Phone-In Services).
The licence conditions brought in today state: “Where television broadcasters invite viewers to participate in programmes, they are directly responsible for the handling of all communications – whether by phone, email or post – from viewers.
“Television broadcasters must obtain independent third-party verification of all systems used in PRS voting and competitions . Ofcom will undertake an initial 12 to 18 month programme of unannounced spot-checks to ensure broadcasters are complying with this requirement.”
In addition, Ofcom will issue new guidance clarifying broadcasters’ responsibilities under the Broadcasting Code for voting and competitions.
Ed Richards, Ofcom chief executive, 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.”
He added: “Ofcom will not hesitate to take firm action with broadcasters who step out of line and mislead people.”
Licensees will be given four weeks to make representations to Ofcom on the changes. The regulator expects all broadcasters using PRS voting and competitions to have third party verification arrangements in place by the end of June.
The premium rate phone services regulator, PhonepayPlus, previously known as Icstis, also announced new measures today.
It said that service providers looking to provide PRS to broadcasters must first seek its permission and will need to meet a number of conditions, such as ensuring that lines are closed promptly.
Ofcom: 020 7981 3040 www.ofcom.org.uk