|
TV phone-ins under scrutiny
The BBC has suspended all phone-ins and interactive competitions across TV and radio after an investigation uncovered breaches of editorial standards on shows including Comic Relief, Sports Relief and Children in Need.
The Corporation said further information was "emerging" about the use of bogus competitors in phone-in and interactive competitions, following a search of around one million hours of output since January 2005.
Director General, Mark Thompson stated: "Nothing matters more than trust and fair dealing with our audiences." He added that it was "totally unacceptable" that programmes had failed to meet the BBC's "high standards".
The news follows the publication of a report into phone-ins by the watchdog Ofcom, which found "systematic failures" in they way broadcasters managed programmes.
The report claimed that broadcasters "appeared to be in denial" about their responsibilities and that money was the main driver for the growth of phone-ins.
Ofcom has recommended that broadcasters' licences be changed so they are required to have an independent audit of phone-in votes.
.
Earlier this month, the BBC's Blue Peter was fined £50,000 by Ofcom after admitting that producers asked a child visiting the studio to pose as a contest winner.
Channel 4's Richard & Judy also hit the headlines when it emerged that its phone-ins had been badly managed.
|