BBC Ends Premium-Rate Phone Voting for Major Shows

The BBC has officially ended premium-rate phone voting for shows like Strictly Come Dancing, BBC Sports Personality of the Year, and Eurovision, shifting entirely to online voting platforms. This change follows BT's announcement that it will cease offering premium-rate phone services in early 2025, making online voting the primary method as most viewers already prefer it. Viewers with BBC accounts can vote easily through the corporation’s websites, while new users can register for free. The BBC has committed to providing clear on-screen instructions to assist all audiences during this transition. However, this move has faced criticism from groups representing older viewers, who argue it disenfranchises those less comfortable or unable to access online voting. The BBC acknowledges the need to support older audiences but emphasizes the digital shift is driven by evolving viewer habits and operational costs.