Telecom watchdog opens probe over chatline ads

The telecoms watchdog is to probe if late night advertisements on TV3 are promoting sexual entertainment services and breach a code of practice for call lines.

Communications Minister Pat Rabbitte has been informed of the inquiries by Comreg, stemming from complaints made by a Fine Gael TD. Derek Keating claimed earlier this year that certain late-night TV3 advertisements for premium rate phone chatlines were a cover for prostitution. He said the commercials, depicting a young woman on a bed dressed in underwear, were immoral.

Comreg has taken up the complaint and said its initial view is that the promotion of the 1500-numbered chatlines on the station adhere to its code on premium rate services. It said the 1500 numbered lines were likely classified as “virtual chat” or “contact/dating services”.