December 2024 Newsletter
Welcome to our final newsletter for 2024! This edition provides guidance on Christmas advertising and summer campaigns, and an update from our Chief Executive on recent ASA news.
If you have any questions regarding the content of this newsletter please don’t hesitate to contact us.
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Update from the Chief Executive
Kia ora koutou,
As 2024 draws to a close, we thought it would be timely to recap some of the common complaint themes over the year. Industry support of the ASA Codes and decisions continues to be very strong – with a 99% compliance rate in our most recent annual report. This high level of compliance has continued throughout 2024. Areas we have noted an uptick in complaints are outlined below.
Take care with qualifiers and fine print
Some of the advertisements changed or removed this year contained errors in claims about products and services which could have been avoided. The amount of savings or discounts offered, the features of a product, or whether additional fees applied, all featured in ASA Complaints Board decisions in 2024.
Alcohol labelling and packaging
Alongside the legal requirements in the Food Standards Australia New Zealand Code, the ASA Alcohol Advertising and Promotion Code sets out the principles and rules to ensure ads and promotion (including alcohol labelling and packaging) target adults. Several decisions in 2024 have upheld complaints about alcohol packaging claims, or offensive imagery, and to support code compliance, the products are removed from sale. It is a good time to remind everyone of the importance of complying with the high standard of social responsibility required for this product category – including zero-alcohol products. Avoid expensive mistakes – both in reputational and financial costs from pulling products – and ensure your team are across the applicable rules for marketing in your product category.
If you have more questions or your organisation would be interested in training on any area of our Codes, don’t hesitate to contact us.
Best wishes from the ASA team for a safe and happy summer break – we look forward to continuing our work together in the new year.
Ngā mihi,
Hilary Souter
Chief Executive
Spotlight on: Christmas advertising – how the new Children’s & Food and Beverage Codes apply
The new Children’s Advertising Code and Food and Beverage Advertising Code took effect for all advertising on 1 November. Make sure you’re up to speed on the new rules and how they may apply to your holiday season campaigns.
View the full blog post here.
Summer advertising: Don’t let small mistakes stop your ads this summer
Avoid your silly season turning into a stressful season – our latest blog post covers the ASA’s top tips for responsible summer advertising.
New Code Reminder
Reminder for advertisers: The new Children’s Advertising Code and Food and Beverage Advertising Code came into full effect on 1 November. Check out our resources or reach out to us if you have any questions.
ASA holiday closure
The ASA office will be closed over the holiday period. If you contact us during this time, we will respond as soon as possible once we return to the office.
On behalf of the ASA, we hope you have a safe, happy and (hopefully!) sunny summer break.
