Adjudication Need 'Beyond Dispute'

An increasing number of production companies and broadcasters are using the services of professional independent adjudicators to ensure that they are beyond criticism at all times.
After a rash of high profile incidents and subsequent fines no-one involved with broadcasting to the public can afford to take the risk that they will fall foul of Ofcom regulations. Just as important is the need to be seen to do the right thing by the viewer. Online discussion boards can quickly fuel belief that a show is run dishonestly, even when it isn't, which can cause almost as many problems.
The presence of an adjudicator has a surprisingly weighty impact on the response of the viewer or contestant. Whether the adjudicator is in the studio dealing immediately with contestants' queries or complaints as they arise; or in a phone room ensuring that phone lines really are switched on and off at the right time, and the right winner is announced - the knowledge that an adjudicator is present has an immediate calming impact.
Adjudicators will review rules of games and ensure they are clear and easy to verify - and therefore reduce the likelihood of challenge or dispute.
An adjudicator can also help as a final 'sanity check' when decisions are being made in the heat of the moment. In a live show or in a pressured environment and with the best will in the world - people make mistakes. Even with good intentions, thinking through all the ramifications of a decision can be tricky. A good adjudicator will have had experience of all sorts of incidents and challenges by contestants and viewers. He or she will understand how viewers respond to what they see and will know how to predict the likely outcome. While nothing is guaranteed, having that calm presence when confusion reigns is vital.
Involving an adjudicator at the planning stage of your show can be invaluable. Experience of numerous shows, the challenges made by the public and by Ofcom allows the likelihood of these to be greatly reduced. Anything you can do to reduce the risks to your show must be essential.
Beyond Dispute advises a number of broadcasters and production companies. Recent credits include The Chase, Magic Numbers and Eurovision Song Contest.
(KMcA)