Brussels Correspondent - Maxime De Winne, a presenter "spy" active for four months on two private channels in Flanders, has managed to prove that game show broadcast by VTM and 2BE were rigged. Aided by a production team working for a satirical program, Basta, aired by public broadcaster VRT, he proved that viewers calling VTM and 2BE supposed to solve puzzles were systematically cheated.A young researcher working with Mr. De Winne is particularly able to drill, after six months of work, the mathematical key used by Endemol Belgium, producer of the broadcasts in question. These complex formulas made it almost impossible for ordinary mortals the logical solution to the issues raised in the air.
The case caused a stir. Less than twenty-four hours after the broadcast of Basta, Monday, January 17, the heads of two private channels have also indicated that they were discontinuing the "call TV" whose principle is that a presenter encourages viewers to call a premium rate number (2 euro per call) to answer a seemingly simple question, and thus win a gift or money.
The benefits of call-TV "are estimated at 12 million euros per year in Belgium. French channels RTL or AB groups also broadcast such programs, in slightly different forms. The leaders of VTM and 2BE, however, indicate that they have filed complaints against Basta, whose journalists are accused of unilateral presentation, or even lie, since they have for example stated that minors could participate in these competitions.
The political world has taken over the case, announcing a stricter regulation of television games. The Flemish regional minister, denounced the "deception" which were often victims of people struggling in poorly educated. "I cheated hundreds of people and I want to apologize" for his part insisted Maxime De Winne, the young teacher with undeniable talent as an actor who has acted as an "undercover agent" to Basta.
The call-TV shows are actually broadcast for several years and had so far not given rise to reactions of public authorities. Dutch newspaper indicated, Wednesday, January 19, the Commission on Gambling, meant to control the entire gaming industry, has concluded an agreement with Endemol Belgium exempting the company from taxation of its call-TV activities.
The Commission denies this assertion. Jean-Pierre Stroobants
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