Media watchdog Ofcom has fined Channel Four £1.5m for misconduct involving phone-in competitions on its Richard and Judy and Deal or No Deal programmes.
It found that viewers were urged to call in to the Richard and Judy show to become contestants in a quiz game even the contestants had been selected, and that Deal or No Deal contestants were selected in a way that made those calling later less likely to be selected.
In addition to the fine, the Channel has been instructed to broadcast a summary of Ofcom’s findings on three occasions.
The broadcaster has apologised, refunded viewers, made donations to charity and withdrawn premium rate competitions on all of its programmes.
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