A national television show that claims to connect viewers with the afterlife was forced off air after its celebrity psychic presenters were threatened and intimidated.
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Psychic TV, which broadcasts on the digital free to air network 4ME four nights a week, vanished from screens between early December and a fortnight ago after some of its "expert" mediums and clairvoyants became the subject of a social media hate campaign.
In a statement posted to the official Psychic TV Facebook page on December 9, the program's long-term future was also cast into doubt as producers apologised to fans for the "current situation" and called for "patience" while it sorted through some "business decisions over the next few days".
It added: "Please remember that Psychic TV will not tolerate bullying of any type either directed to the cast and crew of the show or your fellow viewers".
On Friday, Brand New Media Interactive – the company behind Psychic TV – confirmed the show had now returned to "regular programming".
Managing director David Borean said: "Nobody should be subjected to harassment when they perform their work. We respect the talents and professionalism of our presenters ... unfortunately, we can't control the actions and behaviours of a small minority when it comes to social posting."
In 1999, the American self-proclaimed professional psychic John Edward became the first celebrity medium to talk to the dead on television through his popular Crossing Over series, which was syndicated around the world. Since then, the small screen has been swamped by mediums relaying messages from the dead, to both television studio audiences and people watching from the comfort of their sofa.
In 2011, Australia scored its own program, Psychic TV. Every Wednesday to Saturday, between 11pm and 2am, a revolving cast of psychic presenters, some of whom are touted as the "most respected in the world." answer questions from viewers who forward names, birthdays and photos of loved ones.
The show's Facebook page boasts almost 25,000 fans. When it disappeared last month and revealed its presenters had been hounded off-air, there was an outpouring of support.
Elena Volkova, who describes herself as a "loyal member of the PTV family of viewers", wrote on Facebook: "You are such a support and such a presence in my life."
Alicia Cooper declared: "Bullying is horrible, it shouldn't be tolerated at all in any situation."
However, with 24-hour telephone readings available at $5.45 per minute, text readings charged at $4.50 per message and $4.75 per minute credit card fees that can be pre-purchased in 60-minute bundles, the show has evidently accumulated detractors.
Darislav Besedin wrote on the Psychic TV Facebook page: "Well maybe the cast needs to be abused. I mean, you're ripping people off. The people who follow this show are just poorly educated or in a bad spot in their life at the moment, either way, they're vulnerable. This show is shameless."
Luanne Newcombe, meanwhile pointed out that "Many psychics predict things. But this they didn't. I am sorry to hear this. I am an avid fan. But I myself feel the show needs to make changes."
Fairfax Media contacted several of the mediums who regularly appear on the show. They declined to comment.
Do you know more? Email: eduff@fairfaxmedia.com.au
