Media
Police could be called in over TV phone-ins
Published Friday, Mar 9 2007, 10:26 GMT | By Joanne Oatts
Police could be required to investigate the premium-rate phone line controversy currently plaguing broadcasters.
Sir Alistair Graham, chairman of Icstis, said that he will involve police in the matter if there was clear evidence of fraud. He said: "I assure you we will refer any such evidence to the police."
His comments followed Five's announcement yesterday that it would suspend all premium rate elements from its shows.
On Tuesday, ITV suspended its premium-rate phone lines and appointed Deloitte as an independent auditor to investigate the issue.
Jane Lighting, the chief executive of Five, Michael Grade, the ITV executive chairman, and Andy Duncan, the Channel 4 chief executive, are reported to meet with the House of Commons media select committee to explain their companies' actions.
Sir Alistair Graham, chairman of Icstis, said that he will involve police in the matter if there was clear evidence of fraud. He said: "I assure you we will refer any such evidence to the police."
His comments followed Five's announcement yesterday that it would suspend all premium rate elements from its shows.
On Tuesday, ITV suspended its premium-rate phone lines and appointed Deloitte as an independent auditor to investigate the issue.
Jane Lighting, the chief executive of Five, Michael Grade, the ITV executive chairman, and Andy Duncan, the Channel 4 chief executive, are reported to meet with the House of Commons media select committee to explain their companies' actions.
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