ITV checks premium-rate services

ITV has made Dancing On Ice a priority as an audit of premium-rate interactive services is carried out.

Programme-makers do not expect Saturday night's semi-final will be affected by the independent review, but the quiz channel ITV Play has been taken off air until it passes scrutiny.

John Cresswell, chief operating officer of ITV plc, said: "This is a concern across the whole industry but ITV viewers can be confident that we will always act responsibly and take firm action to address issues that may arise.

"Millions of people enjoy interacting with ITV - either by voting in our entertainment shows or by taking part in prize competitions. It is critical that our viewers have absolute confidence in the services that we offer. We believe that all programmes currently on air are compliant.

"However, in light of recent concern around this issue, something affecting every major broadcaster, we are conducting this independent review to ensure that ITV is meeting all relevant codes and regulations.

"We've asked the auditors to report back to us with some urgency. The interactive elements in each programme will be reintroduced as they are independently signed off."

© Independent Television News Limited 2007. All rights reserved.

Post to Fark Post to del.icio.us Digg this story Post to reddit Post to Facebook Post to StumbleUpon Seed Newsvine Post to GNN Post to MySpace