Ofcom launches ITV investigation after complaints broadcaster picked up the bar bill on young drinkers' exposé
Ofcom has launched an investigation into whether ITV breached the broadcasting code by failing to make clear to viewers that a programme depicting a typical night out was actually paid for by ITV.
Complaint: Ofcom has launched an investigation
The regulator received two complaints in April about the programme, one of which has prompted the investigation under section two of the broadcast code, which deals with general harm and offence.
Ofcom will investigate whether or not ITV made it clear to viewers that it paid the bar bill for four young students filmed on a night out in Liverpool. The Tonight investigation, ‘Britain’s Young Drinkers’, was aimed at shining a spotlight on the drinking culture of young Britons.
A spokesperson for Ofcom said: "We have opened an investigation and are assessing the complaint under the broadcast code."
According to Broadcast magazine, Tonight series producer David Warren last month resigned from his position, although ITV – which carried out an internal investigation into the programme following a complaints from a participant’s family member – declined to comment on whether his resignation was connected with the programme.