OFcom Consider Sanctions Against Psychic TV Over Jackson And Dowler Claims

Ofcom could issue a fine to a 'psychic' television channel after two of it’s 'psychic' presenters made claims about Michael Jackson and the police investigation into murdered schoolgirl Milly Dowler.

The television regulator said Psychic TV breached broadcasting rules in two interviews with 'psychics' Jenna and Crystal.

In an interview broadcast on 2 June last year, Jenna claimed she once spoke to someone who became a very close friend of Michael Jackson, who died in 2009.

In the on-air interview Jenna said: "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."

This was followed on June 20 when another 'psychic', Crystal, claimed on-air that she had assisted police in their hunt for Milly Dowler.

Crystal said: "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.

"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 and been 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."

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.

Although in extreme circumstances this can include the withdrawal of its broadcast licence, it is most likely in this case to be a fine.

(H/GK)