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Broadcast licences to cover call TV
UK media regulator Ofcom is proposing to amend broadcasters' licences to make them directly responsible for premium-rate phone-ins and other participation TV and radio services.
The new licence obligations will hold broadcasters "directly responsible for consumer protection and premium-rate telephone services compliance."
They follow last week's Ofcom report by former BBC News deputy chief executive Richard Ayre about the participation TV crisis, which urged sending "the strongest possible message" to broadcasters.
Today's move is designed to ensure "fair and consistent treatment for all those participating in programmes, such as voting and entering competitions," Ofcom said.
The regulator said it is consulting the broadcasting industry and other interested parties on how dedicated participation TV services, such as quiz, psychic and adult chat lines, which use premium-rate mechanisms should be regulated.
Ofcom is proposing that such services could be: 1) licensed as editorial but subject to tighter rules under the Broadcasting Code; 2) licensed as editorial but required to carry labeling to ensure viewers understand the commercial nature of the content; or 3) licensed as advertising and regulated under the Advertising Standards Code by the ASA.
The closing date for responses is October 17.
24 Jul 2007
© C21 Media 2007
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