Current News and Media Releases
New Guidance Note on Advertising Health Services
The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) has developed a Guidance Note for advertising health services. This provides advertisers with information to help them comply with the ASA’s Therapeutic and Health Advertising Code when making claims about their service in their advertisements.
New Decisions: Dairy’s Nutritional Benefits, Health Claims About Alcohol and More
A complainant said the Fonterra advertisement was misleading because it was “insinuating that dairy somehow aids in the recovery and rehabilitation of serious accidents” which was not substantiated. The Complainant also said the advertisement was insensitive as it minimised the hard work of the patient and Doctor.
Advertising Self-Regulation Explained
The International Council for Advertising Self-Regulation (ICAS) is a global platform promoting responsible ads through the effective implementation of self-regulatory standards. ICAS has released a short animated video to help explain advertising self-regulation:
New Decisions: Restricted Products, Child Safety And More
The Complainant was concerned the promotion of restricted products in a mailbox flyer meant children could be exposed to images of the R18 products and it created a level of acceptance of behaviour that could lead to drug use.
New Decisions: Stereotyping Dads, Skiers Drinking And More
The Billboard advertisement for Lion (NZ) Ltd – Corona Extra, showed a snow-covered mountain range at sunset. Skis and snowboard equipment were leaning against a hut wall, while some people drank bottles of beer. The tagline at the bottom of the billboard states “From where you’d rather be.”
2017 Election Advertising Complaints
The lead up to a general election is usually a busy time for the ASA, and 2017 proved no exception. The ASA deals with complaints about all election advertising in non-broadcast media and third-party election advertising in broadcast media. This year the ASA dealt with 11 election advertisement complaints under its fast-track process. This process requires a response from the advertiser and any other relevant party within 24 hours of notification of the complaint.
New Decisions: Pet Detectives, Electric Cars and More
The television and digital advertisement for Meridian Energy’s electric vehicles showed a father and son driving through the countryside, passing wind turbines and states in part: “Meridian has always been committed to looking after New Zealand’s future. So that’s why they’re right behind electric vehicles.
New Decisions: Voting Promotion, Political Party Policies and More
The Complainant said the advertisement’s claim that people will pay more tax from 1 April 2018 was misleading. The Advertiser said it was not misleading because the National Party’s tax package that comes into effect 1 April 2018 will mean people pay less tax than they do under the current law.
New Decisions: Election Advertising, Photography Promotion and More
The Complainant’s view was that the use of the red colour and Labour Party logo was misleading as it implied it was the official position of the Labour Party and gave the impression Labour intends to implement a Capital Gains Tax if elected. The Advertiser said the use of the Labour Party logo and red colour highlighted the contrast in the parties’ policies on tax.
New Decisions: Beer Culture, News Sources and More
Two Facebook groups and an Instagram account contained posts that focused on the consumption of Double Brown beer, a product of DB Breweries Limited. A Complainant was concerned the material depicted irresponsible drinking behaviours including excessive drinking, drinking in hazardous environments, and showing people under 25 consuming alcohol with strong appeal to minors.
