Preimum Rate Phone in shows

Elmo

New Bill Targets Broadcast Competitions

Wednesday, January 28th saw Communications Minister, Eamon Ryan present a new law to halt malpractice by broadcasters in premium rate competitions to the Oireachtas.

At the report stage of the Communications Regulation (Premium Rate Services and Electronic Communications Infrastructure) Bill 2009, Minister Ryan outlined new provisions under the Bill to tackle broadcasters who scam the public through premium rate services they provide i.e. competitions such as ‘Play TV’.

Under the new law, TV3 for ‘Play TV’ and RTÉ for competitions such as on the ‘Late Late Show’ will come under the regulatory regime of ComReg. They will be obliged to have a licence to operate and must abide by the conditions of that licence. Failure to comply will result in possible suspension or revocation of the licence and broadcasters could be fined up to €250,000.

Overcharging will be a separate offence and refunds will be allowed for under the legislation. Speaking to the Seanad Minister Ryan said, “This Bill is tackling rogue operators who operate premium rate phone lines or text message services. I am pleased that the legislation will now apply to services that are broadcast on television as well.

”This is a timely piece of legislation, which will protect consumers. Broadcasters must now be very careful in their operation of these services. The Government will not stand for its citizens being duped, defrauded or overcharged by corporate entities.”

TV3 responded to news of the bill by saying it welcomes Minister Ryan’s move to bring the regulation of broadcast premium rate services within the remit of ComReg, so long as there will be clear rules which will be applied consistently and fairly to all broadcasters including those in the State sector.

A release from the broadcaster also stated: “There is now an unprecedented level of broadcasting regulation in Ireland. It is imperative that The Department of Communications is absolutely clear about which regulator is responsible for which regulation.”

The statement finished with the note that : “In relation to Play TV, TV3 has at all times engaged co-operatively with the various regulatory authorities who have been involved, and has implemented any changes requested by them. We note that the BAI’s recent judgements concern complaints pre-dating changes introduced to the service last November. The service provider has been notified by TV3 of the BAI’s concerns. TV3 will insist on the highest compliance standards. “

The Bill, which is going through its final stages, is due to be signed into law in early February.

TV3 STATEMENT

TV3 welcomes Minister Ryan’s move to bring the regulation of broadcast premium rate services within the remit of ComReg, so long as there will be clear rules which will be applied consistently and fairly to all broadcasters including those in the State sector.

There is now an unprecedented level of broadcasting regulation in Ireland. It is imperative that The Department of Communications is absolutely clear about which regulator is responsible for which regulation.

In relation to PLAY TV, TV3 has at all times engaged co-operatively with the various regulatory authorities who have been involved, and has implemented any changes requested by them. We note that the BAI’s recent judgements concern complaints pre-dating changes introduced to the service last November. The service provider has been notified by TV3 of the BAI’s concerns. TV3 will insist on the highest compliance standards.

TV3 oboviously feel that this is an attack on them. They didn't mention RegTel. I think they think they are being singled out when other TV programmes run such competitions e.g. The Late Late Show. (Just don't mention that Ireland AM, Xpose all run similar competitions to TLLS but nothing like PlayTV :rolleyes: )

Mike 1972

Why exactly is new legislation required. Couldnt Regtel put a stop to all this nonsense if they wanted to ?

Elmo

Mike 1972 wrote: »

Why exactly is new legislation required. Couldnt Regtel put a stop to all this nonsense if they wanted to ?

RegTel are not a real-regulator they are a self-regulator made up of people in the industry. They have no powers. It is unlikely that ComReg or the BAI will put a stop or regulate these types of premium rate phone services in any case most Regulators in Ireland are light touch. Something that TV3 doesn't seem to appreciate.

There is now an unprecedented level of broadcasting regulation in Ireland.

Bullshít

Elmo

Just noticed tonight that Play TV have Commercial Presentation on screen and the number of calls in the last minute.

Our man in Havana

Only because of BAI involvement.