Phoney phone-ins put pressure on ITV bosses

PRESSURE intensified on ITV bosses to take responsibility for the spate of phone-in scandals yesterday after chairman Michael Grade admitted he would have resigned if he had been chief executive at the time of the deceit.

Yesterday Mr Grade refused to sack anyone involved in the fakery, which could see the broadcaster refunding £7.8 million (€11.2m) to viewers.

Police could decide to investigate the scandals, which involved 10 million calls, once they receive a report from broadcasting regulator Ofcom, who could impose a maximum £70m (€100.5m) fine on ITV.