Wednesday, July 18, 2007

BBC faked winners

The BBC is to suspend all competitions after an inquiry unearthed a fresh batch of faked phone-ins. Serious editorial breaches were found in six shows, including Comic Relief. Director general Mark Thompson said the incidents were "totally unacceptable".

Mr Thompson has outlined a "zero tolerance" approach to any future lapses in editorial judgement. He also ordered an independent inquiry into footage that wrongly implied the Queen walked out of a photo session.

All phone-related competitions on BBC TV and radio will cease from midnight on Wednesday, while interactive and online competitions will be taken down as soon as possible.

Asked about refunds for callers to the faked competitions, Mr Thompson told BBC News 24: "If there is a way of recompensing then we will do it."

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