It is also happening in Australia too. The ones that really annoy me are the TV programs like Big Brother that ask you to vote for contestants at higher than normal phone rates. I think it is just a gimmick to rake in money. If it was for the contestants they should offer a free call number or free online voting. Trouble is it is happening more and more and the public is stupid enough to fall for it. There is one particular show that was reported in the media that for the last two years the winner was a celebrity associated with the station running the program. Make up your own minds.
Thanks Allen