BAI upholds 'Psychics Live' complaints

on 02/10/2012 15:46:22

The Broadcasting Authority of Ireland has upheld two complaints against TV3's 'Psychics Live' programme, saying two broadcasts during the summer were in breach of the broadcasting code.

The authority found that broadcasts on June 26 and July 5 had been in breach of clauses which distinctly bar broadcasters from carrying psychic or fortune telling services which discuss a caller's health.

TV3 had responded to the complaints saying the broadcasts were "clearly identified as an entertainment service", and that while it could not control the questions that a caller could ask one of the on-air psychics, regulations prohibited psychics from making any claim in relation to health and healing.

The BAI upheld the complaints, however, noting that the psychic had made no effort to end the calls when it had became clear the callers were seeking advice on a health issue.

TV3 will now be required to broadcast an on-air sequence acknowledging the breach of the code.