Ofcom tightens rules on shows

Enlists surprise spot checks on broadcasters

By STEVE CLARKE

More Articles:

NFBC, iThentic team on tech films

CCTV opens channels in Cuba

Obama tailor-made for TV campaign

Fox firms up spring lineup plans

Saudi Arabia unveils first film festival

NBC overhauls upfront plans

Media regulator Ofcom has tightened rules on participation TV shows, including surprise spot checks to ensure broadcasters are complying with new license conditions.

These conditions make broadcasters responsible for consumer protection and the compliance of premium-rate phone services.

The BBC, Channel 4, Five and GMTV were all fined last year for deceiving auds in TV phone-ins.

ITV is bracing itself for a financial penalty from Ofcom after admitting to irregularities in phone-in competitions aired in high-profile entertainment shows including “Saturday Night Takeaway,” hosted by Ant and Dec.