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Psychic TV channel faces Ofcom fine over Dowler and Jackson claims Psychic TV channel faces Ofcom fine over Dowler and Jackson claims
(7 months later)
A psychic television channel faces a fine from media regulator Ofcom after two psychics made claims about Michael Jackson and the police investigation into murdered schoolgirl Milly Dowler.A psychic television channel faces a fine from media regulator Ofcom after two psychics made claims about Michael Jackson and the police investigation into murdered schoolgirl Milly Dowler.
Ofcom said Psychic Today was in breach of broadcasting rules over two interviews with psychics Jenna and Crystal.Ofcom said Psychic Today was in breach of broadcasting rules over two interviews with psychics Jenna and Crystal.
Jenna, in an interview broadcast on 2 June last year, claimed she once spoke to someone who became a very close friend of Jackson, who died in 2009.Jenna, in an interview broadcast on 2 June last year, claimed she once spoke to someone who became a very close friend of Jackson, who died in 2009.
"When we were very young … I told him you will meet Michael [Jackson], and you will be quite close friends and you'll stay at Neverland and you'll write two books on him and then it will suddenly end for some reason, and it happened exactly like that," said Jenna."When we were very young … I told him you will meet Michael [Jackson], and you will be quite close friends and you'll stay at Neverland and you'll write two books on him and then it will suddenly end for some reason, and it happened exactly like that," said Jenna.
Another psychic, called Crystal, claimed she had been used by police in the hunt for Milly Dowler in a programme broadcast on 20 June last year.Another psychic, called Crystal, claimed she had been used by police in the hunt for Milly Dowler in a programme broadcast on 20 June last year.
"I have actually been called the 'psychic ferret' as well because I do go rooting. I'm very nosey and I will burrow and burrow and burrow," said Crystal."I have actually been called the 'psychic ferret' as well because I do go rooting. I'm very nosey and I will burrow and burrow and burrow," said Crystal.
"One of the cases that's actually signed, sealed and delivered and got the seal on it. Was the um, oh crikey, the Milly Dowler case."One of the cases that's actually signed, sealed and delivered and got the seal on it. Was the um, oh crikey, the Milly Dowler case.
"That was going on for quite some time but, that was actually wrapped up andbeen put to closure now. I think it was early this year or last year. I can't remember. But I was the one that dealt with that one. Yeah.""That was going on for quite some time but, that was actually wrapped up andbeen put to closure now. I think it was early this year or last year. I can't remember. But I was the one that dealt with that one. Yeah."
Ofcom ruled that both instances were in breach of its broadcasting code, which states that services such as astrology, horoscopes and tarot readings should be advertised "for entertainment purposes" only.Ofcom ruled that both instances were in breach of its broadcasting code, which states that services such as astrology, horoscopes and tarot readings should be advertised "for entertainment purposes" only.
Advertising for channels such as Psychic Today, the licence for which is held by Majestic TV Ltd, are not allowed to "make claims for efficacy or accuracy" or "predict negative experiences or specific events".Advertising for channels such as Psychic Today, the licence for which is held by Majestic TV Ltd, are not allowed to "make claims for efficacy or accuracy" or "predict negative experiences or specific events".
Ofcom said the breaches were so serious that it is considering the application of a statutory sanction.Ofcom said the breaches were so serious that it is considering the application of a statutory sanction.
Although in extreme circumstances this can include the withdrawal of its broadcast licence, it is most likely in this case to be a fine.Although in extreme circumstances this can include the withdrawal of its broadcast licence, it is most likely in this case to be a fine.
Two other broadcasters, Big Deal and Fitness TV, which simulcast the two programmes, were censured by Ofcom. A fourth broadcaster, Sumo TV, which simulcast the Dowler claim, was also censured.Two other broadcasters, Big Deal and Fitness TV, which simulcast the two programmes, were censured by Ofcom. A fourth broadcaster, Sumo TV, which simulcast the Dowler claim, was also censured.
Ofcom said the Jackson story, which was described by one of the channel's licensees as "showbiz puffery", "clearly implied [the psychic's] predictions were accurate and efficacious". It said the breaches were "potentially serious because they may result in consumer harm".Ofcom said the Jackson story, which was described by one of the channel's licensees as "showbiz puffery", "clearly implied [the psychic's] predictions were accurate and efficacious". It said the breaches were "potentially serious because they may result in consumer harm".
Of the Dowler claims, a spokesman for Majestic TV said the interview contained no explicit claims "other than as part of a background piece on the psychic — to say she helped police in the past".Of the Dowler claims, a spokesman for Majestic TV said the interview contained no explicit claims "other than as part of a background piece on the psychic — to say she helped police in the past".
But Ofcom said: "The clear implication of these comments was that various UK police forces had employed Crystal to assist them and that the police would only employ Crystal if they believed that the information she might provide as a psychic would be accurate and efficacious."But Ofcom said: "The clear implication of these comments was that various UK police forces had employed Crystal to assist them and that the police would only employ Crystal if they believed that the information she might provide as a psychic would be accurate and efficacious."
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