Last update - 00:00 11/09/2006
TV authority probes alleged increase in volume during commercials
By Ayala Tsoref, Haaretz Correspondent
The Second Authority for Television and Radio is investigating Channels Two and 10 after being flooded with viewers' complaints the television stations had been increasing the volume of their broadcasts during commercial breaks, an authority spokesperson confirmed on Monday.
In repsonse to the complaints, the authority announced that a special committee using a new system which will monitor television broadcasts and determine whether the viewers' claims are correct.
"This is an issue that has been carrying on for a long time and has disturbed viewers overwhelmingly," Eyal Buchbut, a member of the panel investigating the complaints, said.
"I'm pleased that the solution has been found and that in the near future increasing the volume will be considered a blatant violation of the [TV channels'] contracts."
Television stations have been known to increase the volume of their broadcasts during commercial breaks in order to maximize the exposure their advertisement services.