BBC launches new phone-in rules

From this week, calls to BBC programmes using premium call lines will be capped at 15p.

Exceptions will be granted to programmes directly related to a charity appeal, such as Comic Relief, Children In Need or Restoration, but audiences will be told in advance.

Competitions were suspended in July after a string of scandals. But it was announced last month they are to be reintroduced under a stringent new code of conduct stipulating that all competitions and phone votes be "honest, open, fair and legal".

The code was instigated by the BBC Trust in response to scandals including the Blue Peter scam, in which a child visiting the studio was asked to pose as a competition winner.

The BBC said the new policy of having just two premium call categories - one capped at 15p for all BBC programmes and the other for any charity appeals - would make it clearer to audiences what to expect when they took part in competitions or votes.

Programmes not directly related to a charitable appeal, such as Strictly Come Dancing, will no longer be allowed to increase call prices to raise money for charity.

Announcing the new rules, BBC director-general Mark Thompson said: "BBC programmes do not make money from premium-rate calls and we've always told viewers and listeners the costs of calling to enter competitions or to vote. But I want this to be even clearer.

"In future, audiences can be clear that these calls will be capped at 15p unless they are directly related to a charity appeal. I do understand that this will mean that slightly less money will go to the charities as a result of the new policy, but we're already talking to them about other ways of supporting their work."

The BBC said 45% (7,200) of relevant staff had already attended a mandatory training course launched last month following concerns over competitions and editorial breaches.