Current News and Media Releases
New Decisions: Burgers, Cars and More
The complainant said that parts of the menu were sexist and the burgers were likened to females in a derogatory manner. The Chair noted the ASA does not have jurisdiction to consider the names of products, in this case, the names of the burgers. Given the Advertiser’s co-operative engagement with the process and the self-regulatory action taken in amending the advertisement…
Media Release: ASA 2018 Annual Report Released
The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) released its 2018 annual report today. The report highlights the work of the ASA as the regulator of all ads in all media. Significant projects included the launch of the Advertising Standards Code, a substantial consolidation of six codes into one to support responsible advertising and the end of… Read More
Media Release: ASA Releases 2018 Advertising Turnover
The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) today reported that advertising revenue across all main media was 2.633 billion dollars for the 12 months ended 31 December 2018. The 2017 total was 2.561 billion dollars. The turnover includes data from television, newspapers, interactive media, radio, magazines, outdoor, addressed mail, unaddressed mail, and cinema.
ICAS announces winners of Global Awards
The International Council for Advertising Self-Regulation (ICAS) announced the winners of its first ICAS Global Awards. The judges issued a Special Mention for the New Zealand Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) for effective self-regulatory practices through its Code Consolidation project, completed in 2018.
New Decisions: Offensive Language, Facebook Posts and More
A large outdoor poster for Remedy Kombucha drink showed a photo of a hand holding a bottle of Remedy Kombucha. The text said: “TELL SUGAR TO GET FRUCT”. Two complainants were concerned about the use of the word “FRUCT”, saying the play on an expletive was offensive, inappropriate and designed to shock.
Media Release: New Code for Responsible Gambling Advertising
The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) today released its new Gambling Advertising Code following a review of the Code for Advertising Gaming and Gambling. The Code recognises that gambling advertisements must not undermine the need for the prevention and minimisation of gambling-related harm.
New Decisions: Vaping, Pollution and More
There were three complaints about this billboard stating it made a false claim. One Complainant said it is the farmers who are polluting the rivers, not the fertiliser producers. Another Complainant said there wasn’t evidence to back up this claim, and ‘#toomanycows’ is an opinion not a fact.
New Decisions: Medicinal Cannabis, Alcohol Advertising and More
Prior to Christmas, Glengarry Wines sent both addressed and unaddressed newsletters containing wine promotions. The Complainant was concerned the unaddressed advertisement had direct appeal to children and alcohol should not be marketed in that way. The Advertiser said the unaddressed advertisement had been sent to selected neighbourhoods that matched the target demographic for fine wines.
New Decisions: Offensive Ads, Explicit Quotes and More
The Restaurant Brands television advertisement for KFC showed a man changing clothes on the side of the road. The woman holding the towel up for his privacy deliberately dropped the towel as a passing car approached. The Complainants were concerned the advertisement showed a person being sexually harassed and humiliated which is offensive.
New Decisions: Vaccinations, Fluoride and More
The Appeal Board disagreed with the Complaints Board’s ruling on Rule 6 of the Code of Ethics and said the advertisement did not quite meet the threshold to unjustifiably play on fear, although it came very close. In making its decision, the Appeal Board gave greater emphasis to the context of the advertisement…
