Waveguide TV and Radio News - Tuesday May 13 2008

ITV's This Morning has been criticised by Ofcom for allowing Cilla Black to repeatedly plug her new business venture during an interview.

A viewer complained that the ITV show had endorsed the Liverpool star’s new psychic telephone service.

"Cilla's Destiny Calls" is a Ł1.50-a-minute phone line which is part-owned by Cilla Black, and her son Robert Willis, 38, is a director.

In its reply to Ofcom, ITV said that, in common with many other daytime programmes, This Morning often refers during an interview with a celebrity guest to their latest film, programme, or other commercial project. It said that the purpose of every item is to interest, inform and entertain the viewer, not to promote any particular product.

ITV went on to explain that, in this particular edition of This Morning, there was a “Valentine’s Day” theme to several of the items. It said that there were strong editorial reasons for inviting Cilla Black to appear on that day and to include discussion of her connection with the phone line service.

ITV also advised that both the guest and her press advisor were fully briefed beforehand. It accepted that it was unfortunate that the guest referred to the brand name of the phone line service and the website address in a manner over and beyond that discussed prior to the programme. However, it said that, after the guest first referred to the phone line service by name, the producer in the gallery reminded the presenters, Fern Britton and Phillip Schofield, via earpiece that the brand name should not be referenced repeatedly in the remainder of the interview.

Later in the interview, the presenters, reacted swiftly when the Black stated the web address of the phone line service.

Ofcom said that it welcomed ITV’s assurances that it is reviewing its procedures in respect of celebrity interviews. and considered the matter resolved.

19:45 May 13 2008 - waveguide.co.uk

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Former TalkSport presenter James Whale has been hired by internet station Play Radio UK to present an un-restricted phone in on the Play Two UK channel.

Marcus Quiler, network manager at Play UK said: "The excessive regulations enforced by FM radio continues to restrict free speech and opinion in the UK. Internet radio opens the doors to presenters like James Whale inviting them to discuss everything and anything.

The first show will be on Tuesday May 20 at 18:00.

I was absolutely shocked when Talksport sacked James Whale. He was their greatest asset and part of his charm was that he was a free spirit, spoke for the people and was able to speak his mind. I hope that better doors will open for him and I am delight ed that he has found more work already. I shall locate his new station and will tune in. Talksport has lost me as a listener.

I wish TV would snap him up. I'd love to see him on The Wright Stuff (for starters) but also on Question Time.

annvrichardson

Plans by Sky to launch a pay-TV service on digital terrestrial television have been placed on hold after communications regulator Ofcom announced a fresh consultation today.

Ofcom received a number of viewers from rivals such as Virgin Media, BT, Setanta and the BBC on the planned service and on the broader issue of Sky's place in the UK pay-TV market.

The regulator said today it would now put out a further consultation document on each subject by the end of the summer.

Sky's service, branded Picnic, would involve four paid-for Sky channels offering news, sports, movies and entertainment.

The satellite broadcaster is hoping to tap into the significant DTT market created by the success of Freeview, hoping to persuade viewers with free-to-air set-top boxes to upgrade to pay-TV.

Ofcom said the proposal from Sky, made in conjunction with the Freeview multiplex operator National Grid Wireless, needed further consideration in tandem with the regulator's ongoing investigation into the pay-TV market.

"In the consultation, Ofcom recognised that there are issues raised by the Sky/NGW proposal that will inform the market investigation and vice versa," Ofcom said.

"Engagement with stakeholders has confirmed that the issues regarding the Sky/NGW proposal, such as access to premium content, need to be considered alongside the wider market investigation."

11:06 May 13 2008 - waveguide.co.uk

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Celebrity Big Brother will make a controversial return to Channel 4, according to reports.

The series was axed last year after sparking an international race row, following Jade Goody's treatment of Bollywood star Shilpa Shetty.

The show was replaced by a watered down Celebrity Hijack series, which saw celebrities control the show.

Channel 4 has so far not commented on the show's return.

Meanwhile, Big Brother host Davina MCall has branded rumours she is leaving the show 'utter b******s'.

Meanwhile regular Big Brother will return to TV screens on June 5.

10:19 May 13 2008 - waveguide.co.uk

Reader Comment

Surely enough is enough with this show, channel 4 just morphs into the Big Brother for 3 months every year.

helengoodin