Ofcom reprimands 'X Factor' CD promotion

The X Factor has been reprimanded by Ofcom, after the show was found to have breached product placement guidelines.

BBC News reports that the broadcasting regulator deemed the promotion of singles by guest stars Michael Bublé and Diana Vickers during two different shows last October to be contrary to its rules relating to product placement.

Following Vickers's performance, host Dermot O'Leary told viewers: "If you want to download Diana's single, details at ITV.com/xfactor."

After Bublé's appearance later in the month, O'Leary again said that the 'Hollywood' singer's track was available for download at the X Factor website.

Channel TV explained that in both cases neither single was available or promoted via the site, and added that an "unfortunate script error" had been responsible for the breach.

The show was also censured for its use of flashing lights during Cheryl Cole's performance, which was deemed to have broken the Broadcasting Code in relation to minimising the risk to viewers with photosensitive epilepsy.