On February 9, 2012 during its morning session the Verkhovna Rada adopted the Law “On Introducing Amendments to the Law of Ukraine “On Television and Radio Broadcasting” (concerning regulatory activities for broadcasting of programs with paid interactive games and contests) (on the basis of the Draft Law #4510).

The given law prohibits the broadcasting of programs with interactive contests (games, quizzes), terms and conditions of which directly or indirectly stipulate a paid acquisition of the status by its participant.

This prohibition covers the programs which offer TV viewers or radio listeners to contact a TV/radio-broadcasting organization by any means for the purpose of getting their prize in monetary form or in kind for their personal victory (to make a phone call, to text a message, etc) but these participants are charged for connection and / or telephone conversation at the price which does not correspond to a certain tariff plan chosen by a subscriber, or if it is necessary to get the operator’s extra services not included into the list of services stipulated by the contract (tariff plan).

These limitations do not cover channels with limited access, broadcasting of programs and / or telecasts aimed at conducting lotteries, creativity competitions and sports tournaments in spite of monetary or material prizes available, free giveaways with advertising (popularization) of a certain product, service, brand, as well as contests (games, quizzes) the terms and conditions of which stipulates free acquisition of a status and prizes for their personal victory by the participants who showed their profound knowledge and best skills. This prohibition also does not cover free drawings and giveaways conducted for the purpose of entertainment, charity and education.

Source: http://news.ligazakon.ua