Icstis sets out new quiz show rules

[BGonaSTICK]

Premium rate phone line regulator, Icstis, has outlined new measures to improve confidence quizzes featured on TV shows, following last month's phone-in scandals.

Three new rules, which come into play in four weeks' time, include transparency over the chances of getting through to air, pricing information and call cost warnings. They will be introduced as part of the new Statement of Expectations for Call TV Quiz Services.

Icstis chief executive George Kidd, said: "We have acted at great speed and have worked closely with Ofcom, broadcasters, programme makers and telephone companies, who have all been supportive in making sure that the changes could be introduced as soon as possible."

"We believe these new measures, which are designed to address the concerns that have been raised recently, will go a long way to restoring consumer trust in this form of TV quiz," he added.

The new rules mean broadcasters will need to show a prominent and permanently visible standalone display showing the total number of calls entered to the service in the preceding 15-minute period. This will then have to be updated every 10 minutes.

All pricing information must be spoken at intervals of no more than 10-minutes, with call cost warnings provided at intervals for each £10 spent in any day.

The measures are hoped to restore consumer trust following problems with phone-ins on Channel 4's Richard and Judy, ITV1's The X Factor and BBC One's Saturday Kitchen, as well as address the concerns raised by MPs on the Culture, Media and Sport Select Committee in its report of 25th January.

Media watchdog Ofcom has launched its own investigation in call-TV services, with Icstis expected to report on its investigation into Richard and Judy early next month.

Source: Digital Spy