| 3rd February |
|
|
| ASA censure of bollox claims about healing by prayer causes offence to religious group Permalink
|
See article
from asa.org.uk
|
A
website and a leaflet, for Healing on the Streets - Bath, viewed on 10
May 2011:
a. The website home page stated Our vision is to :-
Promote Christian Healing as a daily life style for every believer, through
demonstration, training and equipping. We are working in unity, from
numerous churches outside the four walls of the building, In order to :- -
Heal the sick ....
A page headed What people have told us afterwards ...
included five testimonials in which people stated that after receiving
prayer their conditions had been improved.
b. The leaflet was available for download on the website
under the heading Download a healing flyer by clicking below. The
leaflet stated NEED HEALING? GOD CAN HEAL TODAY! Do you suffer from Back
Pain, Arthritis, MS, Addiction ... Ulcers, Depression, Allergies,
Fibromyalgia, Asthma, Paralysis, Crippling Disease, Phobias, Sleeping
disorders or any other sickness? We'd love to pray for your healing right
now! We're Christian from churches in Bath and we pray in the name of Jesus.
We believe that God loves you and can heal you from any sickness. Issue
A complainant challenged whether:
-
the claim in ad (b) that the advertiser could heal
the named conditions was misleading and could be substantiated;
-
the testimonials in ad (a) misleadingly implied that
the advertiser could heal the conditions referred to; and
-
the ads were irresponsible, because they provided
false hope to those suffering from the named conditions.
-
The ASA challenged whether the ads could discourage
essential treatment for conditions for which medical supervision should
be sought.
ASA Assessment: Complaints Upheld
1., 2. & 3. Upheld
The ASA acknowledged that HOTS sought to promote their
faith and the hope for physical healing by God through the claims in their
ads. However, we were concerned that the prominent references in ad (b) to
healing and the statement You have nothing to lose, except your sickness
in combination with the references to medical conditions for which medical
supervision should be sought such as arthritis, asthma, MS, addictions,
depression and paralysis, could give consumers the expectation that, by
receiving prayer from HOTS volunteers, they would be healed of the
conditions listed or other sicknesses from which they suffered. We also
considered that the testimonials in ad (a) could also give consumers that
expectation, and furthermore, noted that a video on the website also made
claims that HOTS volunteers had successfully prayed for healing for people
with cancer, fibromyalgia, back pain, kidney pain, hip pain, cataracts,
arthritis and paralysis. We noted the testimonials on the website and in the
video but considered that testimonials were insufficient as evidence for
claims of healing. We therefore concluded the ads were misleading.
We acknowledged that HOTS volunteers believed that
prayer could treat illness and medical conditions, and that therefore the
ads did not promote false hope. However, we noted we had not seen evidence
that people had been healed through the prayer of HOTS volunteers, and
concluded that the ads could encourage false hope in those suffering from
the named conditions and therefore were irresponsible.
We acknowledged that HOTS had offered to make amendments
to the ads, and to remove the leaflet from their website. However, we
considered that their suggested amendments were not sufficient for the ads
to comply with the CAP Code.
On these points, ads (a) and (b) breached CAP Code rules
1.3 (Social responsibility), 3.1 and 3.6 (Misleading advertising), 3.7
(Substantiation), 3.47 (Endorsements and testimonials), 12.1 and 12.6
(Medicines, medical devices, health-related products and beauty products).
4. Upheld
We understood that HOTS volunteers were instructed to
give a letter to the recipients of prayer which told them they should not
stop taking their medication or following the advice of medical
professionals. We also noted their offer to add a prominent reference along
the lines of that letter to their website. However, we considered that,
because both the leaflet and the website made claims that through the prayer
offered by HOTS volunteers people could be healed of specific medical
conditions for which medical supervision should be sought such as arthritis,
asthma, MS, addictions, depression and paralysis, the ads could discourage
people, and particularly the vulnerable or those suffering from undiagnosed
symptoms, from seeking essential treatment for medical conditions for which
medical supervision should be sought. We concluded the ad breached the Code.
On this point, ads (a) and (b) breached CAP Code rule
12.2 (Medicines, medical devices, health-related products and beauty
products). Action
The ads must not appear again in their current form. We
told HOTS not to make claims which stated or implied that, by receiving
prayer from their volunteers, people could be healed of medical conditions.
We also told them not to refer in their ads to medical conditions for which
medical supervision should be sought.
HOTS Bath official response
From
hotsbath.org
We are disappointed with the ASA's decision, and will
appeal against it because it seems very odd to us that the ASA wants to
prevent us from stating on our website the basic Christian belief that God
can heal illness.
The ASA has even demanded that we sign a document
agreeing not to say this, which is unacceptable to us - as it no doubt would
be for anyone ordered not to make certain statements about their
conventional religious or philosophical beliefs.
All over the world as part of their normal Christian
life, Christians believe in, pray for and experience God's healing; our
ministry, in common with many churches, has been active in praying for God's
healing (of Christians and non Christians) for many years.
Over that time the response to what we do has been
overwhelmingly positive, and we find it difficult to understand the ASA's
attempt to restrict communication about this. Our website simply states our
beliefs and describes some of our experiences.
We tried to reach a compromise, recognising some of the
ASA's concerns, but there are certain things that we cannot agree to --
including a ban on expressing our beliefs.
|
| 3rd February |
|
|
| Film poster for Les Infideles offends the easily offended in Paris Permalink
|
See article
from dailymail.co.uk
|
Film
posters for a new French film, Les Infideles, about adultery have
been taken down in Paris because they are supposedly too provocative.
The adverts show Jean Dujardin and Gilles Lellouche implying sexual
positions which campaigners have claimed degrade women.
On poster showing a girl with her head at the groin of a guy on a phone
is captioned It's going to cut out, I'm just entering a tunnel
In the other advert a woman's legs are in the air and are being held by
Dujardin. It says underneath I'm just going into a meeting.
ARPP, the French advert censor, has ordered that the billboards be taken
down. Stephane Martin, who works for the censor, told French newspaper Le
Parisien:
We already feel that this campaign is against the
rules, even if it relates to the subject of the film, a comedy about
adultery.As a preventative measure, we've already counseled JC Decaux,
who are in charge of the billboards, to take them down.
|
| 26th January |
|
|
| ASA celebrate 50 years of censoring adverts with a new logo Permalink
|
See
article from
asa.org.uk
|
ASA
has unveiled a new logo following a rebrand to coincide with the start
of a year in which it celebrates 50 years of what it likes to consider
as keeping UK advertising legal, decent, honest and truthful.
The ASA was established on 24 September 1962 to regulate non-broadcast
advertising. Since then the remit has been extended to TV + radio ads and
more recently to cover online ads.
The ASA will be marking this milestone through a variety of activities
over the next 12 months.
|
| 26th January |
|
|
| Advert rules to updated to allow ads from commercial groups offering abortion services Permalink
|
See
article from
cap.org.uk
See also
Regulatory Statement [pdf] from
cap.org.uk
|
The
Committee of Advertising Practice (CAP) and the Broadcast Committee of
Advertising Practice (BCAP) are the bodies responsible for writing and
revising the rules in the UK Advertising Codes.
CAP and BCAP have made changes to the UK Advertising Code rules relating
to the advertising of post-conception advice services (PCAS). PCAS offer
a range of services to women, including for example advice on health and
well-being, provision of ultrasound services, as well as advice about
women's choice to continue with their pregnancy or to have a
termination.
NHS-accredited PCAS must provide a full range of impartial advice to
women about all available options including termination, for which
treatment they may refer women in some cases. Other advice services also
operate, which for various reasons, some ethical or religious, do not
refer women for termination.
In 2009, CAP and BCAP conducted a thorough review of advertising rules in
this area. BCAP saw no reason to maintain difference in regulation between
radio and television for PCAS: nor did it see a justification for
discriminating between commercially and not-for-profit based service
providers. Moreover, on the grounds of public health, it proposed a new rule
to protect potentially vulnerable women from being misled by advertisements.
BCAP then initiated a public consultation over their proposals:
- To allow commercial providers of PCAS to advertise on television,
subject to the same rules that applied to non-commercial PCAS providers,
who could already advertise on TV.
- Removing the radio rule permitting advertising only by those Family
Planning Centres (FPCs) with local authority or NHS approval.
- Extending an existing radio rule to television, requiring medical
and health advice services to provide suitable credentials before being
able to advertise;
- Introducing a new rule to require services offering post-conception
advice on pregnancy that do not directly refer women for a termination
to make that fact clear in their advertisements.
The outcome from the consultation resulted in the new rules:
Broadcasting code rule 11.11.1:
Advertisements for services offering advice on
unplanned pregnancy must make clear in the advertisement if the service
does not refer women directly for a termination. Given that terminations
are lawful only in some circumstances, and are subject to particularly
stringent requirements in Northern Ireland, advertisers may wish to seek
legal advice before advertising. The UK
Non-broadcast Advertising, rule 12.24:
Marketing communications for services offering
advice on unplanned pregnancy must make clear if the service does not
refer women directly for a termination. Given that terminations are
lawful only in some circumstances, and are subject to particularly
stringent requirements in Northern Ireland, marketers may wish to seek
legal advice.
The new rules take effect on 30 April 2012.
|
| 25th January |
|
|
| ASA whinge at poster for Steel Panther album Permalink
|
See article
from asa.org.uk
|
A
poster promoting an album by a rock band, seen in October 2011, showed
an image of a woman leaning back with her eyes closed. She was shown
wearing a skimpy halter-neck outfit which covered her nipples but left
her stomach and the bottom of her breasts uncovered. Her right hand was
placed by her crotch and she was holding a string with two silver balls
attached, which dangled between her legs. The band's name appeared in
the middle of the image and beneath it, large text stated BALLS OUT.
Underneath, the ad showed an image of the four members
of the band and text which stated THE NEW ALBUM UNLEASHED FOR
HALLOWEEN... Issue
Imkaan, a charity devoted to raising awareness and
offering support to women from ethnic backgrounds who were victims of abuse
and violence, and four members of the public challenged whether the ad was:
-
offensive, because they considered the image of the
woman was demeaning and overtly sexual in its nature.
-
Imkaan and three of the members of the public also
challenged whether the ad was unsuitable for public display where it
might be seen by children.
Universal Island Records, a division of Universal Music
Operations Ltd said that the poster depicted the album cover for the rock
band, Steel Panther who were a pastiche of an 80s heavy metal band who took
their inspiration from bands such as Whitesnake and Bon Jovi. The band's
stage performance and persona were very tongue in cheek, nothing about them
was serious and their concept was a send-up of the typical 80s band,
although their music was new and original. They said the poster was designed
to have a retro 80s look which was not done seriously and poked fun at the
ridiculousness of the attitude to women, outfits and music in that era. The
poster was meant to be ludicrously over the top and not meant to undermine
women.
ASA Assessment: Complaints Upheld
The ASA noted Universal Island Records' argument that
the poster was not meant to cause offence or be seen as demeaning to women.
However, we considered that the main image on the poster was overtly sexual.
We noted that the pose of the woman showed her with her legs apart, her hand
between her legs and her breasts partially exposed and considered that her
facial expression was suggestive of an orgasm and sexual activity. In
addition to this, we considered that the album title Balls Out was
sexually suggestive particularly when viewed in the context of the poster,
where the woman was seen dangling two silver balls between her legs in a way
that we considered was suggestive of male genitalia.
We noted Universal Island Records' argument that the
poster was meant to be viewed humorously and not to be taken seriously as it
was meant to represent the over-the-top image of the band featured in the
poster. However, we considered that most people would not view the poster in
this way and even if they had viewed it in that context, the poster was
overtly sexual when taken as a whole. Given its placement in a range of
public locations, we concluded that it was likely to cause serious and
widespread offence, was unsuitable to be seen by children and therefore was
not appropriate for outdoor advertising.
The poster breached CAP Code rules 1.3 (Social
responsibility) and 4.1 (Harm and offence).
|
| 23rd January |
|
|
| Plastic surgeons call for advertising ban Permalink
|
See article
from bbc.co.uk
|
The
British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (Baaps) has called for
cosmetic surgery advertising to be banned.
Baaps said cosmetic surgery as a medical procedure should not be
advertised, in the same way that the promotion of prescription medicines is
banned. Baaps president Fazel Fatah said:
Over the last decade the Baaps has worked tirelessly
to educate the public on the many aggressive marketing gimmicks that not
only trivialise surgery but endanger the patient.
We have warned against the unrealistic expectations
set by reality 'makeover' shows and against crass competition prizes
promising 'mummy makeovers' and body overhauls.
In no other area of surgery would one encounter
Christmas vouchers and two-for-one offers - the pendulum has swung too
far, and it is time for change.
|
| 21st January |
|
|
| New Zealand campaigners whinge at relaxation of censorship rules for beer adverts Permalink
|
See article
from nzherald.co.nz
|
A
women's campaign group has struck out at a change in advertising codes
it claims will lead to more sexist beer commercials on television.
The director of the Women's Health Action Trust said the New Zealand
Advertising Standards Authority had cut guidelines which prevented alcohol
adverts from depicting unduly masculine themes or portray unrealistic
behaviour.
Director of Women's Health Action Trust, Maree Pierce, said they were
stunned the ASA would chose to weaken its rules at a time when New
Zealand communities:
have made such a strong call for more rigorous
control of alcohol advertising and its content.
Plenty of evidence has shown how beer advertising,
both in New Zealand and abroad, draws heavily on stereotypical masculine
themes and routinely portrays sexist, derogatory and degrading behaviour
by men, towards women, as part of beer drinking culture and lifestyle.
But the Advertising Standards Agency said a flood of alcohol
advertisements which were derogatory towards women was very unlikely.
Following a review late last year of the Code for Advertising Liquor, the
ASA removed the requirement that alcohol advertisements shall not depict
unduly masculine themes or portray unrealistic behaviour.
|
| 19th January |
|
|
| ASA turns down claim of religious offence by bus advert for underwear Permalink
|
See article
from asa.org.uk
|
A
poster advertising lingerie, seen on the side of buses in early November
2011, stated Introducing Naked Glamour Calvin Klein Underwear and
featured five images of a model wearing a bra and briefs.
The complainant, an Orthodox Cherdi Jew, objected that:
-
the ad was offensive to the large Orthodox Jewish
population of Stamford Hill, whose religious beliefs required them not
to see images of women wearing only underwear;
-
it was irresponsible to display the ad in untargeted
media in public as it would be seen by children.
Calvin Klein said they did not believe that the ad was
offensive or socially irresponsible. They said the ad merely featured the
product, their underwear range, being worn by a model. They believed it was
reasonable to feature models wearing underwear when advertising these
products, and that the ad was neither sexually suggestive nor overtly
sexual. They also said their media vendor had not believed that the ad fell
into the risky category, and had been happy for the ad campaign to
proceed.
ASA Decision: Complaints not upheld
1. Not upheld
The ASA noted that there was no explicit nudity in the
images, and that the ad was for an underwear range. We considered that the
nature of the product meant that viewers of the ad were less likely to
regard the ad as gratuitous or offensive, and noted that the poses of the
model were natural. We considered that the ad might be viewed by some as
mildly sexual in nature, as the underwear featured in the largest image
appeared sheer in nature, and the product name Naked Glamour was
featured. However, although we recognised that some people with strongly
held religious views may find the ad distasteful, we did not consider that
the ad was likely to cause widespread offence or serious offence to those
with religious views.
On this point we investigated the ad under CAP Code rule
4.1 (Harm and offence) but did not find it in breach.
2. Not upheld
We noted the complainant's concerns that this ad,
displayed on buses, was likely to be seen by children. We considered that
the ad may be viewed by some as mildly sexual in nature, as the underwear
featured in the largest image appeared sheer in nature, and the product name
Naked Glamour was featured. However, we did not consider that the
images were overtly sexual, and considered that the ad was acceptable for
use in outdoor media likely to be seen by children. We therefore concluded
that the ad was not socially irresponsible.
On this point we investigated the ad under CAP Code
rule 1.3 (Social responsibility) but did not find it in breach.
|
| 18th January |
|
|
| ASA ludicrously demands that served internet adverts accurately adhere to impractical age restrictions on both the advert and the context where it is served Permalink
|
See article
from asa.org.uk
|
An
internet video ad, for the 12A rated film Abduction, was viewed
on YouTube on 15 September 2011. It appeared before an animated clip
called The Duck Song and included action sequences that involved
shooting, vehicle chases, punching, a couple kissing and a man who
kicked his way through a glass window. The voice-over stated, An
assassin wants him dead ..., which also appeared in text on screen.
A complainant, whose two-year-old saw the ad, challenged
whether it was irresponsible, because she believed it was inappropriate to
be shown during a video that was addressed to children.
Lions Gate UK Ltd (Lions Gate) said the film Abduction
was rated 12A. They said they expected viewers of YouTube to be aged 13
years or over and that YouTube had accepted the online ad and scheduled its
appearances. They said the TV version of the ad had been cleared by
Clearcast with an ex-kids restriction and the online version was
substantially the same. Lions Gate said they worked hard to avoid causing
offence or distress to viewers.
YouTube said they were not able to verify whether the ad
had appeared before The Duck Song clip. They said it must have
appeared on a YouTube partner page, however, because those were the only
pages on which advertising could appear. They said if content on partner
pages was flagged as being suitable only for adult users, no ads would
appear. YouTube said their terms of service meant that viewers must be aged
13 or over and stated If you are under 13 years of age, then please do
not use the Service. There are lots of other great websites for you. Talk to
your parents about what sites are appropriate for you. They said if
viewers aged under-13 viewed the site regardless, there was a risk they
would see content or ads that were not suited to children under the age of
13. They said the exact ads they saw would depend on a number of factors,
including whether the parent had signed into their YouTube account before
viewing, whether they had enabled safe search on their account and
what targeting methods the advertiser had used when they placed their ad.
They said there were other methods of targeting for
advertisers who wanted their ads to reach as many consumers as possible; for
example a banner ad at the top of the homepage or First Watch ads, which
allowed advertisers to run an ad so it was seen only once by a user visiting
a YouTube partner page on any given day. Those ads could appear on any
partner page. However, all advertisers were contractually obliged to make
sure the ads were family safe and complied with all terms and
conditions and YouTube ad policies, including, for First Watch ads, the more
restrictive policy that was specific to the home page. YouTube
double-checked compliance with the home page policy before accepting ads via
First Watch. They said the Lions Gate ad was placed via First Watch and
therefore it could appear to any YouTube user, regardless of whether or not
they had logged in. They said they considered the ad to be family safe
because although the scenes were cut quickly and much of the filming was
dark and suggestive, there was no explicit violence, no blood or scenes of
death, no shooting victims (only sounds of shots fired) and no adult
language or explicit sexual content.
They said the website was merely a platform and they
were not responsible for the content of videos or ads that might appear. It
was for advertisers to ensure their ads were targeted appropriately, and
partners who did not want ads, including First Watch ads, to appear against
content they uploaded did not have to do so. They said they were always
willing to listen to comments and suggestions from their users, who could
report ads they felt violated their community guidelines or ad policies.
ASA Decision: Complaint Upheld
The ASA noted the ad reflected the content of an action
film. We considered, however, it included some scenes, in particular those
of shooting, explosions and punching, that were unsuitable for younger
children. We noted that in order to create a YouTube account, users were
required to confirm that they were at least 13 years old. We also noted,
however, material on the site could be viewed without logging in and
therefore it was not possible to prevent under-13-year-olds from viewing
material. We noted that users could also be unaware of that policy. We also
noted that information YouTube provided indicated to potential advertisers
that, based on US figures from 2010, they understood seven per cent of
unique visitors to be aged two to eleven and a further nine per cent to be
aged 12 to 17, with those audiences described as having 39% and 61% Reach
of Online Universe respectively. We acknowledged that data was relevant
to a different market but considered it nevertheless indicated that children
were likely to view footage, and therefore ads, on YouTube. We noted YouTube
offered advertisers the option of age-gating their marketing
material, whereby the ad was targeted via the date of birth registration
held for users; only users who were logged in and met the relevant age
criteria would see such an ad. We considered the The Duck Song clip
during which the ad appeared, was likely to appeal to children and noted the
ad was served in such a way that it could be viewed by all YouTube users,
even if they had not logged in. Because it included scenes that were
unsuitable for younger children and it could be viewed by all YouTube users,
we considered the ad was inappropriately targeted. We therefore concluded
that it breached the Code.
The ad breached CAP Code rules 1.3 (Responsible
advertising) and 5.1 (Children). Action
The ad must not appear again in its current form. We
told Lions Gate to ensure that future marketing communications addressed to,
targeted directly at or featuring children contained nothing that was likely
to result in their physical, mental or moral harm.
|
| 18th January |
|
|
| South African advert censor bans empty headed church jibe at atheists Permalink
|
See article
from dailymail.co.uk
|
A
church advertising campaign that depicted atheists as empty headed has
been banned by South Africa's advert censor.
South Africa's Advertising Standards Authority ruled that a billboard
that suggested non-believers considered their existence to be accidental was
likely to be found offensive.
The offending poster showed a picture of a man holding his hands against
his temples in thought above the line An atheist is a man who believes
himself to be an accident, famously attributed to British poet Francis
Thompson. It was erected last year in a prominent position on the property
of the Rivers Church in Johannesburg.
However, the ASA noted that it was obliged to consider the
advertisement's content after it received a complaint from a non-Christian
member of the public. The ASA wrote:
The church submitted that the advertisement is based
on Psalm 14v and Psalm 53v1, which say "only foolish say in their hearts
there is no God".
It is apparent that the proverbial line is drawn
when advertising propagates statements that undermine the dignity and
constitutionally protected right to freedom of religious beliefs of any
identifiable sector of society.
The visuals of a man holding the sides of his
empty head suggest that atheists are 'empty-headed or lack intelligence,
presumably as a result of the above belief communicated.
This is something that would likely offend all
atheists in a manner that the Code seeks to prevent.
The church was ordered to pull down the advert immediately and was banned
from using the material again.
|
| 14th January |
|
|
| Advert censor explains why ASA is so easily offended by minor joviality about religion Permalink full story: Antonio Federici Ice Cream...Ice cream adverts wind up the nutters
|
See article
from secularism.org.uk
See
letter from the NSS to the ASA [pdf]
See
Reply from the ASA [pdf]
|
The
Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) has dismissed a complaint from the
National Secular Society which had accused the ASA of unreasonably
restricting freedom of expression by banning advertisements too readily
if they risk offending even a few believers.
In a long justification of its enforcement of the Code of Advertising
Practice, the wording of which the NSS also attacked, James Best, chairman
of the CAP, refused to accept any of the NSS's points about its banning of
ads that poke even mild fun at religion.
The complaint arose from the banning of a series of advertisements from
the ice cream company Antonio Federici, which, in the ASA's word were
offensive, because they believed they mocked Catholicism.
Keith Porteous Wood, Executive Director of the National Secular Society,
said:
When the adverts were banned, the NSS said that the
ASA was introducing a new sort of blasphemy law through the back door.
This response from the ASA gives us no reason to change that opinion.
When did it become illegal to satirise Catholicism?
We have become increasingly concerned about an
unreasonable deference to religion by the ASA. We were particularly
irked by the banning of the ice cream ads, one of which (in the ASA's
own words) showed two priests in full robes who looked as though they
were about to kiss. One of the men also wore rosary beads and held a
spoon in his hand; the other held a tub of ice cream. The ad included
text that stated We Believe in Salivation.
The advertisements were ruled by the Authority to have breached the Code
of Advertising Practice (CAP) and the number of complainants is often
pitifully small, just six in the case of the priests and ice cream ad.
The Code of Advertising Practice includes the ruling that ads:
should contain nothing that is likely to cause
serious or widespread offence. Particular care should be taken to avoid
causing offence on the grounds of race, religion, sex, sexual
orientation or disability.
The NSS complained last year to the ASA, and a high level meeting was
arranged between the ASA's chair, Lord Smith of Finsbury (supported by
senior executives), and Keith Porteous Wood and NSS senior campaigns
officer, Tessa Kendall.
Wood said:
We emphasised the importance of freedom of
expression and pointed out that one of their adjudications had recently
been overruled by the courts on grounds of freedom of expression.
Ironically, the case had been brought by a fundamentalist church, in
respect of the banning of its advert criticising Gay Pride parade
inBelfast. The ad was headlined 'The word of God against sodomy' and
invited those who opposed the parade to meet peacefully.
The NSS is now considering its next step.
|
| 13th January |
|
|
| South African advert censor dismisses complaints about Playboy billboard Permalink
|
See article
from timeslive.co.za
|
South
Africa's Advertising Standards Authority has ruled that a Tracy McGregor
billboard in Johannesburg was harmless.
The advert censor dismissed complaints that the billboard depicted women
as objects for sexual gratification, degrades the dignity of women
and encourages sexual promiscuity.
Tracy McGregor, the 2008 FHM Sexiest Women winner, is shown on the
billboard wearing black stilettos and black lace underwear, with one arm
over her head. Next to her are the words: Playboy Playmate Parties
and the Playboy SA website address is given below.
But a handful of motorists and residents were less than titillated. One
said that the billboard promotes pornography and that he was
uncomfortable having to explain such images to his young nieces and nephews.
In its response, Playboy SA said the magazine carried far tamer
content than some magazines on local shelves, and suggested that those who
were offended should focus on the message detergent adverts sent to society
about women.
And it seems the advertising body agreed, saying in its ruling that
Playboy had chosen not to gratuitously depict a lustful, sexual image.
The billboard is not overtly sexual and imagery of a seductively dressed
woman is a product relevant to the advertiser.
|
| 6th January |
|
|
| Advert censor whinges at flyer for Tequila nightclub event Permalink full story: UK Nightclub Adverts...Drink and fun frowned upon by advert censors
|
See article
from asa.org.uk
|
A
circular for a club night at Riverside in Newcastle, delivered as a door
drop in October 2011, featured an image of a woman crouching in front of
a man with her buttocks on display from beneath her dress. Foam spurted
from the man's crotch. Text stated every Wednesday TEQUILA come and
swallow. A cartoon image of a mouth appeared in the top-left corner
with the slogan dedicated to oral pleasure. The reverse of the
circular featured the same image and additional text about the club
night. A review stated A spirit-fuelled den of hedonism and
debauchery. Other text stated Tequilas [sic] coming to Newcastle
... will you swallow? ... we are here for your pleasure and your
pleasure alone ... Tequila is where your hottest and sexiest experiences
will take place! What you can remember is sure to be one of your
greatest memories of university. Newcastle ... get ready to be seduced.
Issue
1. A complainant challenged whether the circular was
offensive and unsuitable for an untargeted medium, where it could be seen by
children.
The ASA challenged whether the circular:
2. condoned irresponsible consumption of alcohol; and
3. linked alcohol with sexual activity.
Stage One Events Inc. (Stage One Events) apologised that
the circular had caused offence in the local community. They said that it
had been put through doors in the local area over one weekend as part of a
campaign to launch a new student event in a very diluted market. It was felt
that this would help the business and would offer a new event to the
students of Newcastle and add to the social life of those attending
university in the city, whilst also creating jobs in a stagnant market.
ASA Decision: Complaints Upheld
1. Upheld
We noted Stage One Events' argument that they created
the circular to launch a new business in the area. We considered, however,
that the image on the circular was sexually explicit and noted that claims
on the circular come and swallow and dedicated to oral pleasure
were clearly intended as sexual innuendo. We considered the text on the
reverse of the circular which promised the hottest and sexiest
experiences and ended with the claim Newcastle ... get ready to be
seduced were sexually suggestive. We concluded therefore that the
circular was likely to cause serious and widespread offence and was not
appropriate for an untargeted medium, where it could be seen by children.
On this point, the circular breached CAP Code rules 1.3
(Social responsibility) and 4.1 (Harm and offence).
2. Upheld
We noted that the CAP Code required marketing
communications to contain nothing that was likely to lead people to adopt
styles of drinking that were unwise, including excessive drinking. We
considered however that there was a clear inference that excessive drinking
was acceptable and condoned from anyone attending the event advertised in
the circular. Aside from the fact that the event was called Tequila,
named after a well-known high-strength spirit, we noted that the circular
included an apparent quote from a newspaper which described the event as a
spirit-fuelled den the inclusion of which we considered took a
celebratory tone which highlighted the fact alcohol consumption was
condoned. We also considered that the claim What you can remember is sure
to be one of your greatest memories of university encouraged the
excessive consumption of alcohol to the point where guests would be so drunk
that they could not recall what they had done during the previous evening.
Because of a clear association with alcohol and excessive drinking, we
considered that the circular condoned irresponsible consumption of alcohol.
On this point, the circular breached CAP Code rule 18.1
(Alcohol).
3. Upheld
We noted that the CAP Code required marketing
communications not to link alcohol with seduction, sexual activity or sexual
success. We considered that the image on the front of the circular was
sexually explicit and the accompanying text will you swallow, come
and swallow and dedicated to oral pleasure was sexually
suggestive. We further considered that the claims on the reverse of the
circular Tequila is where your hottest and sexiest experiences will take
place and Newcastle ... get ready to be seduced had sexual
connotations. Because these claims and the image appeared in the circular
which advertised an event which was heavily linked to alcohol consumption,
gave details of drinks prices and was called Tequila, we considered
that there was a link to sexual activity, and the circular gave out the
message that drinking alcohol was preliminary to sex or made sexual activity
very likely. We also considered that the newspaper quote a spirit-fuelled
den of hedonism and debauchery condoned reckless and irresponsible
sexual behaviour and alcohol consumption. Because of this, we concluded that
the circular was irresponsible.
On this point, the circular breached CAP Code rule 18.5
(Alcohol).
|
| 5th January |
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| Transgender groups offended by Australian TV ad for tampons Permalink
|
3rd January 2012. See
article from
gaynewsnetwork.com.au
See
advert from
youtube.com
|
A
Libra tampon commercial featuring a trans woman has been labelled
transphobic by implying that transgender women are not real women.
The advertisement depicts a blonde woman and an obviously trans woman
competitively applying make up and arranging their clothes while in a
nightclub bathroom.
The blonde woman then takes a Libra tampon out of her bag which
causes the trans woman to storm out of the bathroom.
Sally Goldner of Transgender Victoria told Gay News Network:
It's just an incredibly thoughtless ad. It is
pretty clear that it is implied that a transgender woman is not a
real woman.
It raises questions to me how the company making
the product, the ad company and standards board could allow it to go
to air.
I think this really highlights the lack of teeth
that groups like the ACMA and the press council have in these areas
of respect where vilification happens but there needs to be more
respect. It's not just transgender people who are affected.
Goldner added that suggestions have been made calling for an apology
and for Libra to do something to support the trans community: Some
people have suggested they should fund some positive message about
transgender people and really show that they are concerned.
UK transgender activist Jane Fae commented:
It is unfortunate, in this day and age, that
some companies still consider that a good way to sell their products
is by picking on a minority and making fun. As society has grown up,
with the offense given by many everyday jokes better understood –
and in many cases also made specifically unlawful through equalities
legislation – the range of minorities left for advertisers to pick
on has grown ever more eccentric.
Update: Campaign on Hold
5th January 2012. See article
from janefae.wordpress.com
by Jane Fae
Following worldwide outrage, an ad campaign for Libra feminine
hygiene products, which had been circulating in Australia and New
Zealand, has now been put on hold.
A spokeswoman for Libra product, which is the leading brand of
feminine hygiene product in the Australasia region, said today that they
were completely taken by surprise by the strength and ferocity of the
reaction. They had tested the ad and achieved a positive reaction from
their core audience. She said:
It was never our intention to hurt or to offend.
The ad was intended as a piece of humour designed to promote a
positive image of women.
We were shocked by the reaction from the trans
community -- although now that we have had a chance to reflect on
comments made, we can understand better their perspective.
We are aware that trans women make use of
feminine hygiene products.
She went on. It is the summer holiday period in
Australia now, which means many of the marketing team are not
available.
However, we will be putting this campaign on
hold -- and when the marketing team are back next week, we will be
re-evaluating this campaign. It is very unlikely that it will ever
air again in its present format.
|
|
ASA (UK)
Advertising Standards Authority
The
ASA group writes and enforces advertising rules across most of UK media
(including websites as of 1st March 2011)
-
ASA administer the group, deal with complaints from
members of the public and
enforce the advertising rules
-
CAP, Committee of Advertising Practice, write and advise about the non-broadcast advertising rules
-
BCAP, Broadcast Committee of Advertising Practice, write and
advise about the broadcast advertising rules
Websites:
www.asa.org.uk
www.bcap.org.uk
Melon Farmers News
ASA Watch
Advertising News

Clearcast (UK)
Clearcast are not official regulators. They are a group
funded by broadcasters. Clearcast maintain expertise about ASA/TV
advertising rules for the benefit of broadcasters and advertisers.
Broadcast advertisers submit adverts to Clearcast for approval. Clearcast
also assign child protection restrictions.
Clearcast decisions can be, and often are, challenged by the ultimate
advertising censors of the ASA
Website:
www.clearcast.co.uk

Radio Advertising Clearance Centre (UK)
The RACC is not an official censor. It is funded by commercial
radio stations to maintain expertise and provide advice about the
current radio advertising rules.
Radio advertisers then pay copy clearance fees to the RACC.
Commercial radio stations have to ensure advertising compliance.
They must follow the rules of The BCAP UK Code of Broadcast
Advertising.
Website:
www.racc.co.uk

Ofcom (UK)
Ofcom
is the UK TV censor. Advertising on TV is usually left to the ASA.
However in the case of TV channels which exist primarily to
advertise premium rate telephone services (such as babe channels)
Ofcom administer the censorship, but use broadcast advertising rules
as maintained by BCAP.
Website:
www.ofcom.org.uk
Melon Farmers News
Ofcom Watch
Sateliite X News |
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