TV phone-in firm given record fine

Premium rate services regulator Icstis slapped a £150,000 penalty on Eckoh UK Ltd. It also ordered a sanction to provide refunds to all those affected.

The company was punished after an inquiry into allegations that the You Say, We Pay telephone quiz on Channel 4's Richard and Judy show urged viewers to call in even though potential winners had already been chosen.

Icstis ruled that the competition seriously misled viewers.

The watchdog is now referring the case to broadcasting regulator Ofcom, which it said may wish to investigate the actions of the parties involved under the Ofcom Broadcasting Code.

Icstis said that almost five million viewers entered the competition at a cost of £1 per call.

But 47% of calls were received after the shortlist of winners had already been chosen.

Announcing the fine, Icstis chairman Sir Alistair Graham said: "The size of the fine reflects the very serious nature of the breach of our Code of Practice. The hearing panel found clear evidence of fundamental failings in the winner selection process.

"Winners were being chosen before the competition closing deadline, whilst millions of additional viewers were still encouraged to phone in and pay to enter the competition but were denied the opportunity of fair consideration.

"Such reckless disregard for viewers is unacceptable. In this case, viewers were not only 'paying competition entrants' but also consumers who enjoy a high degree of consumer protection already provided by Icstis."