advertising matters 6.4.18

If the CAP fits, wear it!

The Committees of Advertising Practice (CAP) announced on Wednesday that it was launching two new initiatives regarding the advertising of HFSS food and drink. One is a call for evidence around the impact of TV HFSS food advertising on children, while the other is a review of the HFSS advertising rules in non-broadcast media introduced last year. These initiatives will help inform CAP’s work in ensuring the advertising rules are in the right place, are being followed by advertisers and continue to be effective in protecting children.

Regulations on TV advertising were introduced over a decade ago and the current rules ban the inclusion of ads for HFSS products in children’s media and other media of particular appeal to children.

Welcoming the review, our Chief Executive Stephen Woodford commented that “the UK already has some of the toughest advertising regulations in the world [but] as media consumption patterns change we need to ensure these remain fit for purpose.”

He also pointed out that: “Exposure of under 16s to HFSS advertising has fallen dramatically since comprehensive TV advertising restrictions were put in place over a decade ago and extended to cover all media in 2017. But the obesity rate among children has continued to rise over the same period, which demonstrates the complexity of other factors contributing to childhood obesity, such as demographics and socio-economic background.”

Read more in Marketing Week here and the AA’s full statement here.

Shanghai Express: Promote UK reports from China

We have been hugely impressed with the positive reaction to Promote UK from across Ad Land since its launch last week as a new group to position the UK as the top global hub and centre of excellence for advertising. Hot on the heels of the launch, the opportunities for Chinese businesses to grow and expand their businesses through British advertising knowledge were the focus of a keynote session at the first Shanghai International Advertising Festival (SHIAF) on 28 March.

Janet Hull OBE, Director of Marketing Strategy at the IPA and James Murphy, CEO of adam&eveDDB and AA Chairman, spoke to delegates on how China can learn from the UK advertising sector’s knowledge and also where the UK can learn from Chinese expertise in the areas of mobile and digital e-commerce.

The event, billed as China’s equivalent of the Cannes Lions, featured a three-day business conference and five-day exhibition, along with a new Creative Award show. Read the full report on Janet and James’ contribution to SHIAF and how to get involved in Promote UK here.

You’ve read the whole thing, now check out our ad of the week!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zTeaWLiiUXI