BBC introduces rules for phone-ins

THE BBC has introduced strict new rules governing the use of premium-rate phone lines as it prepares to resume viewer competitions, it announced yesterday.

From this week, calls to BBC programmes using premium call lines will be capped at 15p. Exceptions will be granted to programmes directly related to a charity appeal, such as Comic Relief, Children In Need or Restoration, but audiences will be told in advance.

However, officials last night admitted that the move will mean less money will be raised for charity. Competitions were suspended in July after a string of scandals.

The code was instigated by the BBC Trust in response to scandals including the Blue Peter scam, in which a child visiting the studio was asked to pose as a competition winner.

Mark Thompson, the BBC director-general, said: "BBC programmes do not make money from premium-rate calls. In future, audiences can be clear that these calls will be capped at 15p unless they are directly related to a charity appeal.

"I do understand that this will mean that slightly less money will go to the charities as a result of the new policy, but we're already talking to them about other ways of supporting their work."