Channel 5 joins phone-in scandal

Channel 5 is the latest in a line of broadcasters who have come under the spotlight because of misuse of premium rate phone lines. The show in question is Channel 5’s lunchtime program Brainteaser.

Channel 5 suspended its premium rate lines when it came to light that Brainteaser had used one of its own staff to ring in posing as a member of the public and winning contestant. The program has also fabricated winner’s names when the viewing audience failed to get the answer within 5 minutes.

Icstis, the premium rate phone regulator said, any evidence of a criminal offence will be passed to detectives.

Personal note: Seems these phone-ins are all corrupt at the moment, and does anyone really know how long these scams have been going on? Maybe it’s time to close them all down and look for a new system.