According to the Independent Committee for the Supervision of
Standards of Telephone Information Services (ICSTIS), there are
currently at least 12 TV stations solely operating premium rate TV
quiz services and many more channels with programmes whose prime
function is to provide premium rate TV quizzes, in which
participants interact using premium rate 09 numbers or premium rate
SMS.
But the increase in these channels has led to an increase in the
number of complaints about them – over 100 complaints since May,
according to ICSTIS. The regulator is anxious to protect consumers
and intends to set up a new regime to govern the increasingly
popular interactive medium.
The proposed rules, announced yesterday, will oblige those
intending to run premium rate competitions on quiz channels to
obtain prior permission from the regulator.
To obtain this permission, the service providers will need to
show that they comply with requirements such as:
- Clear pricing;
- An adequate explanation of how the service will operate,
together with clear terms and conditions;
- A cost warning after spending £20; and
- Substantiation of certain aspects of the operation of the
service – especially the need for there to be a single correct
answer, available for ICSTIS to inspect should complaints
arise.
“ICSTIS’ aim is that effective consumer safeguards are in place
so that consumers can continue to enjoy new quiz TV programmes and
channels with the clear understanding about the costs associated
with participating,” said ICSTIS Director, George Kidd.
The consultation will run until 21st October
2005.
