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Ofcom steps into UK call TV storm
UK media regulator Ofcom today waded into the call TV crisis that has engulfed British broadcasters, announcing its own inquiry into the sector that will report back by early summer.
The inquiry will be led by Ofcom content board non-exec Richard Ayre and will examine issues such as consumer protection, benefits and risks to broadcasters, and their respective editorial responsibilities and compliance.
 It comes as ICSTIS, the regulator responsible for overseeing the premium-rate telephone industry on which call TV services rely, is conducting its own investigation after a string of scandals came to light.
ICSTIS is studying individual cases involving the BBC, ITV, Channel 4 and Five and its findings will feed into Ofcom's own review, which will come back with a series of recommendations.
"Widespread concern about the use of premium-rate telephone lines by broadcasters and editorial standards in those programmes has raised serious questions about trust between broadcasters and viewers," said Ofcom CEO Ed Richards.
"Ofcom has been monitoring the issue closely and has launched a number of individual investigations since the start of the year. However, it is clear from the number of cases under way that a broader set of issues needs to be examined as a matter of priority.
"This inquiry will seek to establish the root cause of the compliance issues that have emerged over recent weeks, and inform key decisions about protecting consumers."
Jonathan Webdale
22 Mar 2007
© C21 Media 2007
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