Complaints over TV quiz show upheld

Nine complaints have been upheld against a late-night TV quiz show on TV3 which viewers branded deceitful and impossible to win, it was revealed today.

On one occasion in November the highly-criticised Play TV offered €2,200 for callers to a premium rate phone line to identify actor Brad Pitt’s eyes from 12 mugshots.

The Broadcasting Authority of Ireland (BAI) found the show had effectively tricked viewers as more than one set of eyes belonged to the Hollywood star.

The BAI ruled presenters made misleading claims, the quiz was conducted unfairly and viewers were led to believe the challenges were simply a process of elimination.

On other occasions, answers to puzzling questions appeared wrong and one disgruntled viewer said the programme was misleading to the vulnerable.

TV3 said the airtime used by Play TV, produced by a company in Hungary, was sold as advertisement or teleshopping space but the station also said there should not be any further complaints against the show.

“We’ve already dealt with all the issues raised through RegTel and we have implemented all the recommendations put forward by the Broadcasting Authority,” a spokeswoman said.

“We are happy that Play TV Ireland is compliant with all the legislation. We have done everything in our powers to ensure Play TV Ireland is fully compliant.”

The BAI also upheld complaints against Newstalk radio and The Wide Angle special Lisbon Treaty debate show from last September.

Three listeners claimed presenter Karen Coleman and guests were biased towards the Yes camp, with eight-to-one involved in the broadcast in favour of the EU reform.