8th May 2008 14:22
ITV PLC08 May 2008 ITV plc 8 May 2008 ITV STATEMENT ON OFCOM PRS FINDINGS ITV plc accepts the findings published by the Ofcom Content Sanctions Committeein respect of Premium Rate Services. ITV plc has also today: • Published the new measures and procedures put in place since the Premium Rate Services (PRS) issues were identified, including fundamental changes to ITV plc's compliance and telephony systems; • Confirmed the list of charities receiving donations as a result of ITV plc's reimbursement process; • Published the findings of Olswang's independent investigation into the British Comedy Awards 2005. Michael Grade, Executive Chairman of ITV plc, said: "Ofcom's announcement todayis an appropriate moment to restate ITV's unreserved apology to the public forbreaches that took place between 2003 and January 2007. "We welcome Ofcom's recognition of the 'wide ranging and timely' stepsvoluntarily undertaken by ITV. ITV has gone further than any other broadcasterin instigating an independent, systematic and comprehensive investigation intoall allegations around premium rate services in its programmes. We believe thatOfcom's scrutiny of the evidence we provided will reassure viewers and rebuildthe public's trust in ITV. "Since the publication of Deloitte's findings, ITV has totally re-engineered itseditorial, compliance and training procedures to safeguard against anyrecurrence of such breaches of trust. We have also taken a number ofdisciplinary measures. Anyone working with or for ITV going forward is in nodoubt of the standards expected and the consequences if they fall short." "For anyone who cares about British broadcasting the Ofcom findings and theDeloitte review make for sorry reading. It is clear that these serious breachesof trust were evidence of gross editorial errors of judgment designed,mistakenly, to enhance the viewer experience. In no case is there evidence thatthere were any corrupt attempts to generate further revenues." Following the Deloitte review ITV plc announced a comprehensive scheme toreimburse viewers affected. The amount to be reimbursed was calculated at over£7.8 million. This represents the amount spent by affected consumers, which isalmost double the amount ITV actually received from these calls. Recognisingthat the actual amount claimed by consumers might be a small proportion of thistotal, ITV took the decision to donate the difference to charity and ITV hastoday published a list of those charities that have benefited. ITV plcTel: 0207 156 6000 Press queriesRuth Settle - Controller of CommunicationsTel: 084488 18225 Investor queriesPippa Strong - Head of Investor RelationsTel: 020 7156 7039 Tulchan Communications GroupTel: 020 7353 4200 Andrew GrantSusanna VoyleDavid Allchurch This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock ExchangeRelated Shares:
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