Ofcom: call TV rules to be part of licences

Ofcom is proposing to adapt broadcasters' licences to include premium rate phone line responsibilities and will also require third party verification of all participation TV activity.

The move is evidence of how seriously the regulator is taking the issue of premium rate phone line compliance.

It is designed to ensure "fair and consistent treatment for all those participating in programmes, such as voting and entering competitions".

Third party verification of participation TV activity has been proposed to help ensure early detection of any compliance problems.

The two proposals have both been adopted from the recent inquiry into participation TV programming that was led by Richard Ayre.

Ofcom is also consulting on three options to tighten the regulation of dedicated participation TV services (typically quiz, psychic and adult chat programming).

The options are that these services should be:

* Licensed as editorial but subject to tighter rules under the Broadcasting Code

* Licensed as editorial, but required to carry labelling to ensure viewers understand the commercial nature of the content

* Licensed as advertising, and regulated under the Advertising Standards Code by the ASA

The closing date for responses is 17 October.