I missed this from yesterday, although I'm sure something similar was published last year:

Strictly embargoed until 15:30 Monday 29 January 2007

ICSTIS TO TIGHTEN QUIZ TV RULES (yeah, right)

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ICSTIS, the premium rate services regulator, is today proposing new regulations for Call
TV quiz shows following an extensive review of the sector. ICSTIS’ proposals include
making viewers aware of their actual chances of being put through to the studio and
giving participants cumulative call cost warnings after each £10 they spend.

Announcing the proposals, ICSTIS Chairman Sir Alistair Graham said: “As the Culture, Media
and Sport Select Committee noted in their recently-published report, Call TV quiz shows are a
new form of television entertainment that many people thoroughly enjoy. However, the sector
cannot afford to be eroded by consumer mistrust. If the sector is to flourish, Call TV quiz shows
must enjoy widespread consumer confidence.

“Our review did not find evidence of unlawful practices but we did uncover evidence which
clearly highlighted the need for consumers to be given more information about the cost of taking
part and the element of chance involved. We are therefore proposing to refine our rules to
ensure greater transparency for consumers and to further encourage best practice in the sector.”

Responding to ICSTIS’ announcement, the Rt Hon Margaret Hodge MP, Industry and Regions
Minister, said: “I very much welcome today’s proposals from ICSTIS. This is good news for
consumers – people taking part in these shows will have a much better understanding of what
they’re getting into and will be much more aware of the potential costs involved.”

ICSTIS’ review looked at the effectiveness of existing consumer protection measures, evidence
from complainants, the recording and monitoring of programme content, analysis of telephone
traffic data and independent consumer research. ICSTIS also held individual meetings with
broadcasters, service providers, telephone companies, consumer bodies and fellow regulators.

Full details of ICSTIS’ findings and its proposals can be accessed at
www.icstis.org.uk/news/consultation_papers/2007CondocOpen.asp. Consultation on the proposals
runs until 12 March 2007.
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For further information, please contact the ICSTIS Press Office:
Rob Dwight Tel: 0871 ICSTIS4U or text SCAMS to 00871 (or 020 7940 7408)
Kate Belson Tel: 0871 ICSTIS4U or text SCAMS to 00906 (or 020 7940 7464)

NOTES
• ICSTIS is the industry-funded regulatory body for all premium rate charged telecommunications services.
• ICSTIS regulates the content, promotion and overall operation of services through its Code of Practice. It
investigates complaints, and has the power to fine companies and bar access to services if the Code is
breached. It can also bar the individual(s) behind a company from running any other premium rate services
under any company name on any telephone network for a defined period.
• Services are advertised on either 09 dialling codes or, in the case of mobile services, on four or five digit short
codes followed by a descriptive key word (for example, 87654 ICSTIS). In some instances, such as interactive
TV where viewers make ‘calls’ using their remote controls, the premium rate number may not be shown. In
addition, ICSTIS regulates all ‘118’ directory enquiry services.
• Services offer information and entertainment via phone, fax, PC (e-mail, Internet, bulletin board), mobile
(SMS/MMS/WAP) or interactive digital TV, and currently vary in cost from 10 pence per call to £1.50 per minute.
The money paid by users for services is shared between the telephone company carrying the service and the
organisation providing the content. Approximately 45,000 services are in operation at any one time, generating
forecast revenue thought to be in excess of £1.2 billion in 2006.