ICSTIS introduces licensing for participation TV services

ICSTIS, the premium rate services regulator has announced it’s to introduce a licensing regime for all premium rate service providers operating participation TV service within three months.

It also says broadcasters and their partners will carry out a review of their participation TV programming within two weeks. The regulatory body is also looking at introducing a kite mark to build trust among consumers and flag up those companies licensed by the regulator.

The measures outlined by ICSTIS chairman Sir Alistair Graham follow an emergency summit of broadcasters and the regulator. It follows a raft of scandals in the sector, the last of which involved Five and its Brainteaser quiz. Five has since followed ITV by suspending its services.

ICSTIS is also carrying out six further investigations into individual complaints. These are Richard & Judy, Saturday Kitchen, X-Factor, Saturday Night Takeaway, Soapstar Superstar and I’m a Celebrity…