ITV PLC
08 May 2008
ITV plc
8 May 2008
ITV STATEMENT ON OFCOM PRS FINDINGS
ITV plc accepts the findings published by the Ofcom Content Sanctions Committee
in 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 today
is an appropriate moment to restate ITV's unreserved apology to the public for
breaches that took place between 2003 and January 2007.
'We welcome Ofcom's recognition of the 'wide ranging and timely' steps
voluntarily undertaken by ITV. ITV has gone further than any other broadcaster
in instigating an independent, systematic and comprehensive investigation into
all allegations around premium rate services in its programmes. We believe that
Ofcom's scrutiny of the evidence we provided will reassure viewers and rebuild
the public's trust in ITV.
'Since the publication of Deloitte's findings, ITV has totally re-engineered its
editorial, compliance and training procedures to safeguard against any
recurrence of such breaches of trust. We have also taken a number of
disciplinary measures. Anyone working with or for ITV going forward is in no
doubt of the standards expected and the consequences if they fall short.'
'For anyone who cares about British broadcasting the Ofcom findings and the
Deloitte review make for sorry reading. It is clear that these serious breaches
of trust were evidence of gross editorial errors of judgment designed,
mistakenly, to enhance the viewer experience. In no case is there evidence that
there were any corrupt attempts to generate further revenues.'
Following the Deloitte review ITV plc announced a comprehensive scheme to
reimburse viewers affected. The amount to be reimbursed was calculated at over
£7.8 million. This represents the amount spent by affected consumers, which is
almost double the amount ITV actually received from these calls. Recognising
that the actual amount claimed by consumers might be a small proportion of this
total, ITV took the decision to donate the difference to charity and ITV has
today published a list of those charities that have benefited.
ITV plc
Tel: 0207 156 6000
Press queries
Ruth Settle - Controller of Communications
Tel: 084488 18225
Investor queries
Pippa Strong - Head of Investor Relations
Tel: 020 7156 7039
Tulchan Communications Group
Tel: 020 7353 4200
Andrew Grant
Susanna Voyle
David Allchurch
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