Bulletin

 Issue #146

Yeah nah, it's alright

A gambling company’s TV ad featuring Shaquille O’Neal and the Inspired Unemployed received complaints about being offensive by portraying Australians as ‘stupid yobbos.’

The Community Panel considered the ad under Section 2.1 (Discrimination and Vilification) of the AANA Code of Ethics.

The Community Panel noted that the ad contained self-deprecating humour which would be seen by many to celebrate the uniqueness of Australia. Overall, the Panel considered that the ad did not show material that discriminates against or vilifies Australians, and the complaint was dismissed.

Not the right time

A rather risqué TV ad for a lingerie brand attracted complaints last month for being shown when the audience would be broad and include children.

The Community Panel considered that such imagery may be appropriate at other times, however its broadcast during the late afternoon and early evening when children are likely to be watching television with their family is not appropriate.

Overall, the Community Panel considered that the ad was overtly sexual and breached Section 2.4 (Sex, Sexuality and Nudity) of the AANA Code of Ethics.

A smashingly bad idea

An automotive retailer’s TV ad featuring a man putting an empty bottle of cologne in a vice and crushing it raised concerns about health and safety.

Although the actor was wearing safety glasses, the rest of his face and neck was exposed. The Community Panel considered that while the ad was intended to be humorous most members of the community would find the behaviour unsafe due to the potential for injury from shattered glass and determined that the ad breached Section 2.6 (Health and Safety) of the AANA Code of Ethics.

You can find all determinations from the Ad Standards Community Panel online at AdStandards.com.au/cases

Keeping wagering ads in check

As we come into the spring racing season, it’s important to be mindful of what your advertising content portrays, particularly when advertising wagering services. Our latest article outlines some key things to keep in mind when advertising these services.

Our latest submission to the ACCC

We have recently made a submission to the ACCC in response to the latest Digital Platform Services Inquiry Issue Paper that focuses on social media services. We shared insights from our own complaints data about ads on social media.