Further supplementary memorandum submitted
by Optimistic Media
ON AIR
INFORMATION
I understand that the Committee are seeking
further information in relation to the information provided on
screen to viewers in Optimistic Media productions, in particular
our stated intention of instituting regular and frequent on-screen
communication of the total number of unique callers for each 15
minute segment of our programmes.
"Unique callers" refers to the number
of individual callers that have phoned in to a particular show.
In other words, it is not the total number of calls, but rather
the number of unique phone numbers that have called (some contestants
will phone in more than once to answer a question).
OM's new procedures for displaying how many
contestants are taking part will be tested over the coming weeks,
commencing 8 January, on shows such as Pop the Q. It is currently
envisaged that a presenter will read out of how many people participated
in the previous round eg 25 people.
PROCESS FOR
SELECTING THE
CALLER TO
GO TO
AIR
You also requested additional information from
Optimistic Media with regard to the process of how we select a
caller to go on air. We currently use the same selection system
as the other main Call TV Quiz shows. Both web entries and phone
calls are pooled and selected at random by a computer. However
OM will be trialling technology in February which will allow callers
to answer questions through their handset, introducing further
elements of skill to the process of selection.
MR BOB
WINSOR AND
CASHCALL
Finally, I also wished to get in touch as it
has been brought to the attention of Optimistic Media that in
some correspondence with the Culture, Media and Sport Select Committee,
a Mr Bob Winsor has shared certain observations with regard to
a number of participation quiz shows he has viewed.
We were particularly concerned to discover that
some of these relate to a programme called Cashcall, which Mr
Winsor incorrectly attributes as an Optimistic Media production.
We wish to state quite firmly to the Committee that Optimistic
Media is in fact in no way related to the production of this programme.
I hope the above information is useful to the
Committee as they collate their report. Please do not hesitate
to contact me if I can furnish you with any other information
that may be useful to you.
8 January 2007
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