5th Mar 2007 16:42
ITV PLC05 March 2007 STATEMENT FROM ITV plc ON PREMIUM RATE INTERACTIVE SERVICES As a responsible broadcaster, ITV's commitment is to put viewers' interestsfirst. In light of recent concern surrounding premium interactive services intelevision programmes across all channels, ITV is today announcing that it hasappointed Deloitte as independent auditors to conduct a complete review of allpremium rate interactive services in ITV programmes. This will cover all premiumrate landline, mobile (excluding pay downloads) and red button activity. The review is in two parts. First, to ensure that all existing procedures arerobust and second, a retrospective review of premium interactive services in allrelevant ITV programmes of the last two years. ITV intends to make the findingsof the review public. We are therefore temporarily suspending all premium interactive services acrossall ITV channels from Tuesday March 6th. Interactive elements will return,programme by programme, as soon as they have passed the scrutiny of theindependent audit. This will cover ITV productions, co-productions andindependent productions. We will be writing to PACT and will be working closelywith them and their members on this review. We are also in conversation withGMTV. John Cresswell, Chief Operating Officer of ITV plc, said: "This is a concern across the whole industry but ITV viewers can be confidentthat we will always act responsibly and take firm action to address issues thatmay arise. "Millions of people enjoy interacting with ITV - either by voting in ourentertainment shows or by taking part in prize competitions. It is critical thatour viewers have absolute confidence in the services that we offer. "We believe that all programmes currently on air are compliant. However, inlight of recent concern around this issue, something affecting every majorbroadcaster, we are conducting this independent review to ensure that ITV ismeeting all relevant codes and regulations. "We've asked the auditors to report back to us with some urgency. Theinteractive elements in each programme will be re-introduced as they areindependently signed off. We expect the review of current programmes to be bothswift and thorough. The retrospective review will take longer due to the greaternumber of programmes involved." Ends. For further enquiries please contact: ITV plcTel: 020 7843 8000Press enquiriesBrigitte Trafford - Group Communications DirectorJim Godfrey - Director of Corporate Affairs Investor enquiriesJames Tibbitts - Company SecretaryGeorgina Blackburn - Head of Investor RelationsCaroline Bailey - Investor Relations Analyst Citigate Dewe RogersonTel: 020 7638 9571Simon RigbyGeorge Cazenove Website: www.itv.com; investor information: www.itvplc.com This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock ExchangeRelated Shares:
ITV