OFCOM fines - who gets the money?

http://media.guardian.co.uk/broadcast/story/0,,2036766,00.html


Just reading this about how OFCOM "could" fine broadcasters for the latest phone in scandal up to 5% of their turnover - which would be roughly £110m for ITV - but capped at just £250,000 for the BBC (which is grossly unfair on it's commercial rivals - the cap should apply to all).


I don't think fining them would be of any benefit to the viewers - they'd just have to recoup the money and ultimately the viewer would suffer. Most broadcasters involved have already set up avenues for viewers to receive refunds if required anyway.


However, one question it brings up - where does the money from OFCOM fines go?

Money from fines goes to the Treasury

Oh, just like the VAT from premium phonelines then!

so why can't it be used; to go back into TV production?

I bet there coudl do some good programmes with the money

Who would get it though?

Which is why fines should be implemented for the sake of them, unlike compensation where the money goes to the victim.


To be fair OFCOM are generally pretty fair in relation to fines (unlike their US equivalent) - they are usually more concerned with what the broadcaster is doing as a result and if they've put measures in place to avoid a repeat offense, that's generally the end of the matter.