The Stage

Channel 4 fined by Ofcom for viewer competition ‘misconduct’

Published Thursday 20 December 2007 at 13:35 by Matthew Hemley

Channel 4 has been hit with a £1.5 million fine from media regulator Ofcom for misconduct in viewer competitions on Richard and Judy and Deal or No Deal.

The regulator said the shows had breached its broadcasting code and were guilty of early and staggered selection, which meant viewers entering the competitions were not given a fair chance of winning.

In the You Say We Pay competition featured in Richard and Judy, competition finalists were chosen before lines had closed, meaning viewers calling after the shortlist had no chance of winning.

Both Richard and Judy and Deal or No Deal also used staggered selection, which meant later entrants had lower chances of being shortlisted as a potential winner, compared to those who entered earlier.

Responding to the fine, Channel 4 said there had been no intention to mislead viewers and added it will be donating £600,000 to charity.

Channel 4 group finance director Anne Bulford said: “Channel 4 is no longer running any premium rate competitions and so we believe today’s ruling brings this particular chapter to a close.”

The broadcaster will have to screen a summary of Ofcom’s findings on three separate occasions.