ITV are in the spotlight again today over recent phone-in quiz fiascos.
ITV morning show GMTV is facing a fine of up to £3m from TV regulator Ofcom following an investigation into its premium rate phone-in lines.Ofcom has ruled that the station was in 'serious breach of the broadcasting code.' GMTV is believed to have earned around £35m over four years from viewers paying to enter quizzes they had no chance of winning.
ITV, which has the largest stake in GMTV, is also facing problems with phonelines on its other shows including Saturday Night Takeaway and I'm A Celebrity. Channel 4 is also facing a fine over the Richard and Judy , You say We Pay phone-in quiz.
Ofcom has warned broadcasters that similar cases would be dealt with "extremely seriously." ITV has confirmed it will ditch its late-night phone-in quiz ITV Play by the end of the year although it will continue to use phone-in votes for programmes such as The X Factor and Dancing On Ice.
