BBC fined after new phone-in scandals

0 Comments | AFP, July, 2008

LONDON (AFP) — The BBC was fined 400,000 pounds Wednesday after a string of top television and radio shows faked winners of their competitions.

The fine, imposed by media regulator Ofcom, is the latest in a string of similar scandals involving British broadcasters, which has tarnished their reputation for transparency, particularly over competitions.

In the latest round of revelations, Ofcom said that the producers of some shows had decided to broadcast competitions which viewers invited to take part had no chance of winning.

Flagship charity telethon Comic Relief was one of the offenders. Ofcom said viewers were told that if they called in to pledge money, they would automatically be entered for a prize draw to win flights to the United States.

But...