Networked GCap Media show Midnight Cash Quiz aired for the final time this morning, after the company was hit with a £17,500 fine yesterday by ICSTIS. However other networks, including UTV Radio which run a similar cash generating competition have no plans to end their version of the phone-in show.
John Dash, ILR group programme director of UTV Radio (GB) which runs "Phone Fun Live" every Saturday and Sunday night told RadioToday.co.uk that they stay aware of what other groups are doing but do not react because of it: "We review our programmes continually to ensure that we're well within the regulatory requirements and are being totally fair to our listeners, at this stage there are no plans to drop our shows."
The GCap show was broadcast around the One Network but came to an abrupt end after the company was found guilty of using premium rate telephone lines to unfairly prolong on-air an competition earlier this year. Midnight Cash Quiz also used a premium rate telephone number – costing at least 75p – where listeners were charged regardless of if they were selected to play. Quizmaster Murray J introduced the show for the final time saying he'd like to give away lots of money with it being the final programme.
TLRC have recently joined forces with CN Group for their version of the show, The Big Cash Quiz. Mike Vitty says they will continue to provide the programming for as long as their audience shows a desire to participate: "We are constantly reviewing the situation to maintain that we provide totally transparency and complete honesty to our audience. The feelings of our listeners and their relationship with our output and our presenters is our primary concern and we work tirelessly to protect that relationship," Mike told RadioToday.co.uk
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