Jeremy Kyle Show death: ITV asks Ofcom for more time to complete investigation
Written by News on 21/05/2019
ITV has asked for more time to report back on the death of a participant following his appearance on the now-cancelled Jeremy Kyle Show.
Media regulator Ofcom had asked the channel to report back within five working days, but it has now asked for more time to complete its investigation.
The revelation was made by Ofcom chief executive Sharon White during an appearance in front of the digital, culture, media and sport (DCMS) select committee.
The suspected suicide of Steve Dymond has raised concerns about reality TV programmes and their duty of care to guests and participants.
Mr Dymond, 63, was a guest who had tried to prove to his fiance that he had not cheated on her. He failed a lie detector test, the couple split up, and he was found dead a week later.
The episode was never broadcast.
ITV has also faced criticism following the deaths of former Love Island stars Mike Thalassitis and Sophie Gradon.
Gradon, 32, hanged herself last year after drinking alcohol and taking cocaine, a coroner concluded in April. An inquest into Thalassitis’s death is yet to take place.
Ofcom announced last week that it was “examining whether more can be done to safeguard the welfare” of participants in such shows and would be issuing new guidance.
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Ms White told MPs that Ofcom has been “particularly concerned about what’s then happened to participants after the programmes”.
“So as well as the most recent tragedy with Steve Dymond, alarm bells were particularly rung with the two suicides, Love Island, some months after the broadcast,” she said.
“We had put in some new guidance for the under 18s.
“Our content board had a discussion in April – before the most recent incident – about another review looking particularly at the treatment of participants and also audiences.
“We announced it last week, but it had been on the cards for some time.”
Ofcom will also look at the use of lie detector tests on TV shows, with Ms White saying: “We will be looking at lie detectors and other tools used by the production companies, as to whether … it’s fair treatment for vulnerable individuals.”
Ms White denied the regulator was acting “too late” by looking at bringing in “clearer guidance”.
“As the situation has evolved, I think we are all more conscious of some of the negative side of this,” she said.
The DCMS committee has launched its own inquiry, which will examine a genre that its chairman Damian Collins said “risk(s) putting people who might be vulnerable on to a public stage at a point in their lives when they are unable to foresee the consequences”.
The decision to cancel The Jeremy Kyle Show came after a huge public outcry.
Mr Kyle said he and the show’s production team were “utterly devastated by the recent events” and added: “Our thoughts and sympathies are with Steve’s family and friends at this incredibly sad time.”
:: Anyone feeling emotionally distressed or suicidal can call Samaritans for help on 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org in the UK. In the US, call the Samaritans branch in your area or 1 (800) 273-TALK.
(c) Sky News 2019: Jeremy Kyle Show death: ITV asks Ofcom for more time to complete investigation
