ASA refers One TV to Ofcom

28 June 2006

The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) has referred the teleshopping channel One TV to Ofcom to consider formal sanctions.  This action follows an ASA upheld ruling against One TV on 10 May 2006 in which they were found in breach of the CAP (Broadcast) TV Advertising Standards Code distance selling rules.

The ASA continued to closely monitor consumer complaints about One TV after publishing its ruling but was not satisfied that the level of service had improved. Following its ruling, the ASA received a further 98 complaints from members of the public who had not received orders or refunds.

As One TV were continuing to broadcast teleshopping output and take money from customers, the ASA has, as a matter of urgency, referred them to Ofcom for action under their backstop co-regulatory powers. 

 
Of the referral to Ofcom, ASA Director General, Christopher Graham says “One TV has repeatedly failed to fulfil customer orders and provide refunds. Having called One TV to a meeting at the ASA earlier this month, we have concluded that the channel was not ensuring that it had adequate stock available and was still unable to fulfil orders within 28 days. It was also unable to provide refunds promptly and did not have satisfactory arrangements in place to handle customer enquiries. Our referral to Ofcom for formal sanctions shows our commitment to taking effective action to protect consumers and uphold advertising standards.”