Bulletin

October 2020 #125

A flock of flying bananas gets the green light

The Ad Standards Community Panel has dismissed complaints about an ad seen on free-to-air TV and TV on-demand which showed a child throwing rocks at a flock of flying bananas which raised concerns about the depiction of animal cruelty.

Concerns about animal cruelty in a TV ad for a fishing device were previously upheld by the Panel under Section 2.3 of the AANA Code of Ethics (violence), with the advertiser choosing to modify the material to comply with the Code.

Plastic surgery ad raises concerns

The Community Panel has dismissed complaints about a transport ad for breast augmentation surgery which raised a range of concerns about sexually suggestive, sexist and demeaning content.

Some complainants interpreted the content differently, raising concerns that the ad encouraged people to spend job seeker payments on plastic surgery. The Panel noted that while this may be in poor taste this is not an issue under the Code and is outside the jurisdiction of the Panel.

Tune in to this ↓

A number of complaints about radio advertisements received in October highlight the need for advertisers to be aware of how language is used on media platforms with a broad audience, including children.

The Community Panel upheld complaints about strong language in an automotive radio ad which raised concerns about swearing that was poorly beeped out.

Complaints about blasphemy in a radio ad for scaffolding were considered by the Panel under Section 2.1 of the AANA Code of Ethics (discrimination or vilification) and dismissed.

Advertising healthy food choices to children

A reminder to advertisers that the AANA Food and Beverages Code requires all restaurant and food outlet advertisers in Australia to comply with the Quick Service Restaurant Industry Initiative (QSRI) which provides clear guidelines on promoting healthy food and lifestyle choices to children.

This follows a number of complaints received about sports vouchers from food outlets promoting burgers and ice cream handed out at kids’ weekend sport. These complaints were upheld by the Panel as the food products promoted did not meet the QSRI healthy choice requirements.

For the latest Ad Standards Community Panel determinations go to AdStandards.com.au/cases

Straight from the horse’s mouth

Spring racing season is in foal swing but there’s neigh room for creative that doesn’t meet the content rules for ads promoting betting on the races.

For more information see the AANA Wagering Advertising Code and the Ad Standards website.

To help you comply with the Code we also provide determination summaries of past cases considered by the Community Panel under the Wagering Code which are a free online resource for advertisers.

NEW and updated determination summaries providing precedent information on cases considered by the Panel across the wide range of issues covered by the advertising Codes and Initiatives administered by Ad Standards are now available online at AdStandards.com.au.