The ICSTIS has published new regulations (pdf) for TV quizzes which rely on premium-rate phone lines.

The regulations, which mandate the provision of more information to callers, are an attempt to restore viewer confidence after a raft of dodgy phone-in scams.

The primary change is the addition of an on-screen, near-real-time, display showing how many people have entered in the preceeding 15 minutes, enabling callers to see if they have a chance of getting onto the show or entering the competition.

The presenter will be required to state the cost of calling every 10 minutes - in addition to the already mandatory on-screen display.

Callers will also be informed when they've rung up more than £10 of charges in a single day.

ICSTIS only regulates premium-rate numbers, so its rules only apply where such numbers are being used (generally those starting "09").

The new rules will need to be implemented within four weeks. ®

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