麻豆社

The Trust has published聽its findings聽on these cases today. Neither involved Premium Rate Services. The findings cover five editions of聽Tony Blackburn聽on 麻豆社 London 94.9FM in 2005/6 and eight editions of聽Dermot O'Leary聽on 麻豆社 Radio 2 in 2006.

The Trust regrets that these serious breaches by the 麻豆社 have led to a financial penalty being applied by Ofcom and the loss of licence fee payers' money as a result.

The ESC concluded that the cases were serious and did involve audience deception. The audience was misled. In 2007 the Trust had made clear that 鈥渢he culture of the 麻豆社 must be such that any proposal to mislead audiences is instantly dismissed as wholly inappropriate鈥�. These cases pre-dated that statement but should not have occurred. The ESC was satisfied that the cases did not raise new issues which had not been previously addressed and was satisfied that the remedial steps taken by the 麻豆社 over 2007 and 2008 have put in place protections which should prevent cases of this nature in the future.

The Trust has instructed 麻豆社 management to broadcast an on-air apology on the relevant services at an appropriate date and time with the date, time and wording agreed by the ESC. These will be on Saturday 20 December at approx 2.00pm on 麻豆社 London 94.9FM for the聽Tony Blackburn聽programme and at 2.03pm on 麻豆社 Radio 2 for the聽Dermot O'Learyprogramme.

The 麻豆社 made a public apology in 2007 and a firm commitment to put its house in order following the disclosure of other serious editorial breaches. After management implemented its action plan, the Trust commissioned an independent assessment and published a report聽in May 2008. This report found clear evidence that the steps being taken would prevent a repeat of the practices that led to the failures. Our priority remains ensuring that the highest editorial standards are maintained to safeguard the public's trust.

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