News Archive

ASA response to Alcohol Strategy

23 March 2012

The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) and the Committees of Advertising Practice (CAP) share the Government’s commitment to protect young people from irresponsible alcohol advertisements.

ASA welcomes Groupon's undertakings

16 March 2012

The ASA is now on Twitter

14 March 2012

Protecting children from sexual imagery in posters: New research

02 March 2012

The Credos research appears to indicate that those ads banned by the ASA, compared to those we did not, were deemed the most offensive by the respondents.

How parents control children's access to adult media

08 February 2012

A new online survey reveals that 40% of parents allow their children to watch a film classified above their age at home.

ASA in the news

01 February 2012

The ASA has found itself in the news following the publication of some high profile adjudications.

ASA gives evidence at Leveson inquiry

01 February 2012

ASA Chief Executive, Guy Parker has been called as a witness to give oral evidence at the Leveson Inquiry into the culture, practices and ethics of the press.

Cosmetic surgery advertising

23 January 2012

Following recent headlines and public health concerns about faulty breast implants, the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (BAAPS) and its members are calling for a ban on the advertising of cosmetic surgery.

Forum for debate encourages parents to have their say

17 January 2012

ParentPort has joined forces with Mumsnet and Netmums to help parents voice concerns about media content they find inappropriate for children.

ASA reveals new logo as we celebrate reaching 50

05 January 2012

We are pleased to unveil our new logo following a rebrand to coincide with the start of a year in which we celebrate 50 years of keeping UK advertising legal, decent, honest and truthful.

Panel of experts in dertmatology to be launched

15 December 2011

The ASA, the RACC and Clearcast launch a panel of experts in the field of dermatology.

ASA refers complaints about Groupon to OFT

02 December 2011

Following repeated breaches of the Advertising Code by MyCityDeal Ltd t/a Groupon, the Advertising Standards Authority is now referring complaints that it receives about Groupon’s ads to the Office of Fair Trading (OFT).

Panel confirmed for ASA debate in Manchester

24 November 2011

Places are still available for our free public debate in Manchester. Find out how to book and who will be on the panel.

Changes to the ASA's handling of competitor complaints

22 November 2011

Advertisers will have to submit evidence to the ASA that they have tried to resolve complaints with their competitor from 1 December.

Too much, too young: Are advertisers sexualising childhood?

03 November 2011

The ASA is hosting a public debate on how we should protect children from inappropriate advertising.

2011 - 2012 Annual Statement of the ASA and CAP

26 October 2011

The 2011 - 2012 Annual Statement of the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) and Committee of Advertising Practice (CAP) has been published online.

ASA at No 10 Summit

11 October 2011

The ASA attends Downing Street round table meeting on the protection of children.

UK media regulators launch parents website

11 October 2011

The ASA and other UK media regulators have joined forces to launch the ParentPort website.

ASA statement on sexual imagery in outdoor advertising

07 October 2011

The ASA has issued a statement regarding ‘sexualised imagery’ in outdoor advertising where children are likely to see it.

The ASA's final response to the process review

05 October 2011

The ASA has published its final response to the recommendations made in its Process Review.

Public responds to online remit extension

03 October 2011

The ASA can reveal that, following the extension of our online remit in March, incoming complaint levels have been substantially above our forecasts.

ASA explains foundations for cosmetic advertising guidance

19 September 2011

New benchmark for ad compliance rates on websites

06 September 2011

The Advertising Standards Authority’s (ASA) Digital Media Survey 2011 published today reveals that the advertising on 95% of websites monitored adhered to the Advertising Code.

ASA listens to parents' concerns

24 June 2011

Our ongoing commitment to protect young people from inappropriate or misleading ads has been enhanced by listening to parents’ views and concerns. The report Advertising and young people details the findings of our engagement activity with parents, as well as school children, in Cardiff earlier this year.

ASA response to Bailey Review

06 June 2011

The ASA has welcomed the advertising recommendations made today by Reg Bailey, Chief Executive of Mothers’ Union, following a six-month review into the ‘commercialisation’ and ‘sexualisation’ of childhood.

ASA Gambling Advertising Survey 2010

26 May 2011

The Advertising Standards Authority’s (ASA) latest Gambling Advertising Survey has revealed a 96.1% compliance rate with the Advertising Codes. The survey was conducted to assess whether gambling ads continue to adhere to the tightened rules which are designed to ensure they are socially responsible and protect young and vulnerable people from harm.

ASA/CAP Annual Report 2010: Achieving change through engagement

12 May 2011

The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) and Committee of Advertising Practice (CAP) Annual Report 2010, published today, highlights a year of significant change. Whether it was the introduction of new Advertising Codes, assuming responsibility for video-on-demand ads, preparing for the extension of our online remit or the comprehensive review of our processes, it has been a very busy year.

ASA appoints new Director of Communications, Marketing and Public Affairs

05 April 2011

The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) has appointed Lynsay Taffe as its new Director of Communications, Marketing and Public Affairs. Lynsay has extensive experience of press, policy and public affairs. As part of senior management, she will oversee a communications, marketing and public affairs team of seven responsible for promoting advertising self-regulation.

Consumer campaign raises awareness

25 March 2011

We have launched our first consumer ad campaign in five years to raise public awareness of our regulatory role to keep advertising legal, decent, honest and truthful. The cross-media campaign (press, outdoor, radio, online, TV and cinema) also informs consumers that the ASA’s remit now covers marketing communications on companies’ own websites.

New ASA Council members appointed

22 March 2011

ASA Chairman, Lord Smith has today announced the appointment of four new members to the independent ASA Council, the body that adjudicates on whether the Advertising Codes have been breached.

The ASA Supplement to the Update on the Process Review

09 March 2011

Our second update on how we are responding to the independent recommendations made in our Process Review is now available.

New online remit enhances consumer protection

01 March 2011

From 1 March 2011 the ASA’s online remit now extends to cover companies’ own marketing claims on their own websites and in other non-paid for space they control. This landmark development brings enhanced consumer protection, particularly for children.

The Green Milestone

14 February 2011

New guidance providing further clarity for businesses wanting to make environmental claims has been issued by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra). Much of the content will be very familiar to advertisers because the Green Claims Guidance reflects the Advertising Codes that require truthfulness and clarity in green claims.

Safer Internet Day

10 February 2011

To mark Safer Internet Day (8 February), the UK Council for Child Internet Safety (UKCCIS) has launched guidelines on keeping the online environment safe for children. The guidance coincides with the imminent extension of the ASA’s remit which, from 1 March, will deliver more comprehensive consumer protection online, particularly for children.

CAP and BCAP consultations on “Up to” and “Unlimited” Claims

26 January 2011

In 2010 the ASA asked the bodies that write the Advertising Codes (CAP and BCAP) to review broadband speed claims in advertisements as part of a wider look at advertising in the telecommunications sector.

CAP and BCAP are now consulting on their proposals for new advertising guidance on the use of “Up to” broadband speed and “Unlimited” usage claims in telecommunications advertising.

ASA launches ad campaign to prepare business for new online marketing regulation

17 January 2011

The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) is today launching a cross-media ad campaign (outdoor, radio, press, online) to raise awareness of the fact that its remit is being extended to cover marketing on websites from 1 March 2011.

ASA reveals new logo to celebrate reaching 50

The ASA's update on the Process Review

06 December 2010

The ASA has published an update on its response to the recommendations made in the Process Review.

The Advertising Santa clause?

01 December 2010

As everyone gears up for Christmas the ASA is reminding advertisers how to ensure they spread goodwill rather than prompt a sack load of complaints.

Digital remit extension and public relations

28 September 2010

Following a constructive meeting, the ASA, CAP and the CIPR have agreed a number of actions to clarify the ASA's extended digital remit as far as it relates to public relations.

ASA appoints new Directors

22 September 2010

The Advertising Standards Authority is pleased to announce the appointments of Trevor Ellis as its new Director of Corporate Services and Miles Lockwood as its new Director of Complaints & Investigations.

Landmark agreement extends ASA’s digital remit

01 September 2010

Our remit is to be extended significantly to deliver more comprehensive consumer protection online. From next year, marketing communications online will be subject to rules to keep them legal, decent, honest and truthful.

New Advertising Codes are here

01 September 2010

New Advertising Codes come into effect today. The new Advertising Codes will help the ASA to continue to respond quickly and effectively to concerns about ads that are potentially misleading, harmful or offensive.

Final countdown for new Advertising Codes

18 August 2010

The ASA is giving advertisers a final reminder that new Advertising Codes will come into effect on 1 September. The Codes maintain the general principles that ads should be legal, decent, honest and truthful but include enhanced protections for consumers, and in particular children.

Alcohol Advertising Survey

10 August 2010

The Advertising Standards Authority’s (ASA) latest Alcohol Advertising Survey reveals a high 99.7% compliance rate with the Advertising Codes. Helping advertisers to maintain high compliance with the alcohol rules is an ongoing commitment of both the ASA and the Code writing body, the Committee of Advertising Practice (CAP).

Video-on-demand (VOD) advertising

02 August 2010

From 1 September 2010, the way we regulate advertising on TV-like video-on-demand (VOD) services will be changing. We have been designated by Ofcom as the co-regulator for advertising appearing on VOD services.

More effective, efficient and in tune with our stakeholders - The ASA’s Preliminary Response to the Process Review

24 June 2010

The Advertising Standards Authority has published its preliminary response to the Process Review of its core functions, conducted with the help of independent consultants. The review has helped to identify a number of improvements which will benefit consumers as well as advertisers by making our operations quicker, more efficient and effective.

ASA Food & Soft Drink Survey 2009: High compliance rates with the tightened rules

22 June 2010

The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) Food and Soft Drink Survey 2009 reveals a high compliance rate of 99.4% with the Advertising Codes.

Announcement on Participation TV regulation

03 June 2010

It has been announced today that from 1 September all forms of Participation TV (PTV) will be regulated by the communications regulator, Ofcom.

ASA/CAP Annual Report 2009: An ongoing commitment to protecting children

26 May 2010

The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA), and Committee of Advertising Practice (CAP), Annual Report 2009 is now published and reveals the proactive measures the advertising regulatory system has taken to protect children from harmful or inappropriate advertising.

Advertising rules surrounding post-conception advice services

20 May 2010

It has been announced in the media that an advertisement for a post-conception advice service will, for the first time, be broadcast on UK television. The ASA would like to clarify the rules that surround advertisements in this sector.

New Advertising Codes launched

16 March 2010

The Committee of Advertising Practice (CAP) and the Broadcast Committee of Advertising Practice (BCAP) today launch new UK Advertising Codes, following a comprehensive review and a full public consultation.

ASA welcomes announcement on digital remit extension

08 March 2010

We welcome the Advertising Association’s announcement recommending the extension of the ASA’s remit in digital media to cover marketing communications on companies' own websites.

ASA conducts a health check of health and beauty ads

19 November 2009

The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) today publishes the results of its ‘Health and Beauty Products and Therapies Advertisements Survey 2009’. It reveals a 95.1% compliance rate with the Advertising Codes.

ASA survey shows advertisers comply with alcohol rules

08 September 2009

The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) today publishes the findings of its latest survey of alcoholic drinks advertisements, revealing a compliance rate of 99%.

ASA warns consumers: pyramid schemes are a house of cards

21 August 2009

The ASA is warning consumers to take due care to avoid getting involved in pyramid schemes. Not only are pyramid schemes unlawful, they will result in financial harm to those who join them.

ASA process review

17 August 2009

The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) is undertaking a Process Review to ensure it continues to operate efficiently and effectively on behalf of consumers and the advertising industry.

New ASA Council Member Appointed

27 July 2009

The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) has today announced the appointment of John Mayhead, CBE, to the independent ASA Council.

ASA welcomes OFT announcement on Ryanair

03 July 2009

Following the ASA’s referral of Ryanair in 2008 for repeated breaches of the non-broadcast Advertising Code and for refusal to cooperate with the self-regulatory system, we welcome the conclusion of the OFT’s investigation and the progress that has been made.

News alert from Asbof

19 June 2009

Sir Christopher Powell has been appointed as the next Chair of the two Advertising Standards Boards of Finance (Asbof and Basbof), which finance the Advertising Standards Authority. This arms-length body funds the ASA through the collection of a levy paid by advertisers, with Asbof collecting the non-broadcast levy, and Basbof collect the broadcast levy. Sir Christopher will take over on 1 January, 2010.

Election advertising

02 June 2009

With the local and European Elections about to take place on Thursday 4 June, the ASA wants to remind anyone wishing to complain about election ads that it is not in a position to investigate their complaints. This is because any ads that are designed to influence voters in an official election or referendum are exempt from the advertising Code.

New ASA Chief Executive appointed

11 May 2009

The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) Council has appointed Guy Parker as the new Chief Executive of the ASA.

ASA Annual Report 2008

28 April 2009

The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) revealed that it had its busiest year ever in 2008, with a record number of ads (2,475) changed or withdrawn as a result of ASA action.

New ASA Council members appointed

30 March 2009

Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) Chairman, Lord (Chris) Smith today announces the appointment of two new members to the ASA Council, Anthony Earle Wilkes and Ruth Sawtell.

Sales Promotion Survey: No prizes for getting it wrong when the ASA scratches below the surface

16 January 2009

The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) today publishes the findings of its Sales Promotion Survey 2008. The ASA compliance team assessed 250 promotions across non-broadcast media between April and May 2008, with just 16 appearing to breach the Advertising Code, a compliance rate of 94%.

Spotlight on environmental claims raises standards in ads

23 October 2009

The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) today publishes the findings of its Environmental Claims Survey 2008. The report reveals a high proportion of ads (94%) containing environmental claims were compliant with the advertising codes.

ASA survey reveals self-regulation is effective in digital media

01 December 2008

The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) today publishes the findings of its Digital Media Survey 2008. The report reveals that where the self-regulatory rules apply in digital media, there is a high compliance rate.

The Regulation of Unfair Commercial Practices in TV and Radio Advertisements

21 November 2008

Legislation that protects consumers from unfair, misleading and aggressive trading practices (Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations (CPRs), has been reflected in the TV and Radio Advertising Standards Codes. The non-broadcast advertising Code changed to reflect the same legislation in June 2008.

Alcohol ads are in spirit of the tightened advertising rules

04 November 2008

The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) has published the findings of its Alcohol Advertising Compliance Survey 2007. The report reveals that a significantly high proportion of alcohol ads, 97% were compliant with the Advertising Codes.

Food Advertising Survey Reveals Healthy Compliance Rate

03 November 2008

The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) has published the findings of its Food and Soft Drink Advertising Survey 2008. The survey looked at whether ads were complying with the Ad Codes, particularly those rules designed to ensure that food and soft drinks are advertised responsibly to children.

ASA puts 'greenwash' in the limelight

15 July 2008

The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) has today published a report detailing the findings of a stakeholder consultation seminar entitled ‘Environmental Claims in Advertising: Is Green a Grey Area?’. The ASA used the seminar to engage with industry, environmental and consumer groups on establishing where problems arise and setting parameters for environmental and ethical claims.

Revised TV sound levels rule comes into force

07 July 2008

On Monday 7 July, the Broadcast Committee of Advertising Practice (BCAP) revised TV sound levels rule will come into force.

BCAP Consultation: The Regulation of Unfair Commercial Practices in TV and Radio Advertising

24 June 2008

The Broadcast Committee of Advertising Practice (BCAP) and the Committee of Advertising Practice (CAP) have announced further developments on their work to align the UK Advertising Codes with the Consumer Protection for Unfair Trading Regulations 2008 (CPRs).

ASA appoints new Director of Communications and Marketing

03 June 2008

The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) has appointed Esra Erkal-Paler as its new Director of Communications and Marketing. She takes up the post on Monday 9 June in succession to Claire Forbes who has been appointed Director of Communications for the Youth Justice Board.

ASA publishes Cosmetics Advertising Survey

08 May 2008

The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) has published the findings of its Cosmetics Advertising Survey 2007. It reveals that cosmetics advertisements achieved an encouraging rate of compliance with the Advertising Codes of 93%.

ASA Annual Report 2007: violence, race and sex dominate advertising complaints

29 April 2008

The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) Annual Report 2007, published today, reveals that a record number of advertisements (2,458) were changed or withdrawn last year. The number of advertisements complained about reached an all-time high of 14,080 - an increase of 9.6% on the year before.  The total number of complaints received was 24,192 - an increase of  7.9% on 2006.

ASA refers Ryanair to Office of Fair Trading

09 April 2008

The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) has asked the Office of Fair Trading (OFT) to consider taking action against the budget airline Ryanair under the Control of Misleading Advertisements Regulations 1988 (as amended). The ASA referral follows a catalogue of breaches of the Advertising Codes by Ryanair and their unwillingness to comply with ASA rulings.

New ASA Council members appointed

01 April 2008

The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) Chairman, Lord (Chris) Smith has made two new appointments to the ASA Council. Andrew Motion, Poet Laureate and Professor of Creative Writing at the University of London, and Louisa Bolch, former Editor for science programming at Channel 4.

ASA welcomes Byron Review recommendations

28 March 2008

The Advertising Standards Authority has welcomed the publication of the Byron Review. The Review by Dr Tanya Byron, Safer Children in a Digital World, looked at the risks to children from exposure to potentially harmful or inappropriate material on the internet and in video games.

Advertisements for NHS-funded services to come under ASA remit

19 March 2008

The Department of Health has announced that all NHS-funded services - which were previously prohibited from advertising - will now be allowed to do so. All advertisements promoting the NHS will have to adhere to the existing Advertising Codes administered by the ASA.

ASA Gambling Survey reveals advertisements are a safe bet

21 February 2008

The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) has published the findings of its Gambling Compliance Survey 2007. The report reveals an exceptionally high compliance rate, with 99% of ads surveyed adhering to the Advertising Codes.

ASA puts students in the driving seat

06 February 2008

The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) is launching its 2008 Student Awards. Students studying business, media, marketing or advertising related courses are invited to create an ad campaign for a sports car. They must ensure that it adheres to the Advertising Codes and demonstrate a clear understanding of advertising self-regulation. The winner will receive a £300 prize, with £150 for the two runners up.

ASA supports OFT Scams Awareness month

01 February 2008

The ASA is supporting the Office of Fair Trading (OFT) Scams Awareness Month to help protect members of the public from falling victim to scams. Raising consumer awareness will help to educate the public to identify scams and so be better equipped to avoid falling for them.

The public gives the ASA its views on violence

21 January 2008

Last year the ASA responded to an increase in complaints about violent imagery in advertising by holding a seminar in Nottingham to gauge the public mood on the issue. The feedback that the ASA received was compiled into a report that was sent to the ASA Council. A copy of the report is now available and is used to help inform the Council when judging whether violent ads are in breach of the advertising codes.

ASA ASA compliance survey reveals food and soft drink advertising is in good health

15 January 2008

In July 2007 the ASA’s Compliance team conducted a monitoring exercise to measure the compliance rate of food advertisements with new tightened content rules. The report reveals an extremely high compliance rate, with 99.2% of ads surveyed deemed to be compliant with the Advertising Codes. Significantly, no ads breached the new food rules.

ASA warns consumers to beware of bogus charity collections

03 December 2007

The ASA is supporting a Government awareness raising initiative on the issue of bogus charity collections. In partnership with various regulatory bodies, including the Charity Commission and the Office of Fair Trading, the ASA is bringing the problem of bogus charity collections to the public’s attention and helping them to make informed choices when deciding who to give their donations to.

ASA launches recruitment drive for new ASA Council Members

19 November 2007

The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) is looking to recruit two members of the public to serve on the ASA Council – the body responsible for adjudicating on complaints about advertising content.

ASA responds to rise in complaints about violence in advertising

19 November 2007

The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) Chairman, Lord (Chris) Smith hosted a seminar in Nottingham on Wednesday 21 November that focussed on the issue of violent imagery in advertising. The timely event followed a significant increase in complaints to the ASA in this area during the past year.

Ofcom and ASA publish research on the impact of alcohol advertising rules

16 November 2007

The Advertising Standards Authority and Ofcom have published a joint report “Young People and Alcohol Advertising”. The report looks at the impact of alcohol advertising on young people following the tightening of the alcohol advertising codes in 2005.

Gambling advertisements: ASA ensures the odds are in favour of consumers

31 August 2007

From 1 September consumers may begin to notice a change in the way gaming and betting services are advertised. For instance, casinos will be able to advertise on TV for the first time. In response to this the Advertising Standards Authority wants the public to be assured that new gambling advertising rules will come into effect at the same time in order to protect consumers.

ASA gets tough on advertising green claims

26 June 2007

Over the last few months the ASA has investigated and upheld seven complaints against advertisers who have made unsubstantiated environmental claims. The ASA is raising consumer awareness of misleading ads, reminding advertisers of the rules and why it is not always easy being green.

TV ad sound level consultation launched

25 May 2007

New ASA Council Member Appointed

24 May 2007

Lord Borrie QC, has made a new appointment to the ASA Council. David Harker, Chief Executive of Citizens Advice will join Council as an independent member from 1 June 2007. He will adjudicate on broadcast complaints.

Debt Free Direct refused leave to judicially review ASA ruling

16 May 2007

An application by Debt Free Direct Ltd for permission to bring a judicial review against the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) was dismissed in the High Court yesterday (Tuesday 15 May).  In yesterday’s judgement, Mr Justice Sullivan ruled that it would require the most compelling reasons to prevent a public body such as the ASA from publishing its adjudications, which were in the public interest.

Junking food ads?

10 May 2007

Much has been made in the press recently about the fact that the nation is getting fatter. It has been suggested that advertising has played its part in contributing to this and, as a result, new rules on the advertising of food and drink products to children have been introduced. These will fundamentally change advertising activity in this area. Most of the new rules come into effect on 1 July.  What changes should you expect to see?

Lord Borrie looks back

10 May 2007

ASA Agenda has been casting a look behind the scenes of the self-regulatory system. For this issue, our focus turns to the Chairman of the Advertising Standards Authority, Lord Borrie Q.C, overseeing what will be the last issue of Agenda of his Chairmanship. Lord Borrie retires as ASA Chairman on 30 June. Here he looks back at his six years in the role ...

New faces on ASA Council

10 May 2007

There are two new faces on the ASA Council: James Best, who is Chief People and Strategic Officer at the ad agency DDB Worldwide and Sally Cartwright OBE, Director at Large at Hello Ltd, publishers of Hello, the celebrity news magazine.

Online Complaints rise by 33% - The ASA Annual Report 2006

10 May 2007

The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) Annual Report for 2006, published today, has revealed that 2,421 ads were changed or withdrawn as a result of ASA action during the year. Although the total number of complaints lodged with the ASA fell by 14.5% (to 22,429) on the previous year, a record number of ads were complained about - 12,842. And, mirroring the growing importance of the Internet in UK advertising, the number of complaints about advertising in this medium rose by 33%.

The Top Ten most complained about ads of 2006

10 May 2007

The ASA  today reveals the ten most complained about advertisements for 2006 with publication of its Annual Report. Religious offence, violent imagery and same-sex kisses dominate the listing of the top ten most complained about ads of the year.

New gambling advertising rules announced

13 March 2007

The Committee of Advertising Practice (CAP) and the Broadcast Committee of Advertising Practice (BCAP) have announced rigorous and robust new rules for gambling advertisements. The rules are designed to ensure that all gambling advertisements are socially responsible with a particular regard for the need to protect children and vulnerable members of society. The new rules will come into force in September 2007.

Students show they are savvy about self-regulation

07 March 2007

The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) is delighted to announce the winners of its Student Award Scheme 2007. The standard of work submitted to the ASA, especially in the under 18 category, was extremely high with many showing original thought and creativity. The overall winner was Firaaz Faiz from Stockport Grammar School.

The Advertising Standards Authority is coming to Scotland

01 March 2007

Get the inside story on how the ASA works. On the 14 March the Advertising Standards Authority will be visiting Glasgow and Edinburgh to host seminars for the advertising industry in Scotland.

New food advertising rules

26 February 2007

New rules have been announced that change the way in which food products can be advertised on TV. The rules have been tightened in response to Government and public concern about the increase in childhood obesity and the future health of the nation.

Food for thought

16 February 2007

New rules for the advertising of food and drink to children on TV have been announced by Ofcom. BCAP will be holding a free session to explain the new rules for advertisers in this sector on Wednesday 28 February in London.

Green is the new black

16 February 2007

As concern across the globe about the causes and effects of climate change increases, attention has turned to how we can all help to reduce the amount of harm that we individually cause.

Scam aware

16 February 2007

February is the month when the Office of Fair Trading (OFT) runs its scams awareness campaign, part of an international initiative to make consumers savvy to the thousands of fraudulent and misleading scams that are targeted at them. The ASA fully supports this initiative. We receive hundreds of complaints a year from consumers about advertising scams and we welcome any moves that will help consumers to protect themselves from being duped.

The informer

16 February 2007

Our series of articles looking behind the scenes of the self-regulatory system turns its attention to how research is used to inform and aid us in our work. Sally Hubbard writes.

WANTED: New members for the ASA Council

16 February 2007

The ASA is seeking three new independent members to join its decision-making body – the ASA Council. The ASA Council has ultimate responsibility for deciding whether or not ads comply with the advertising codes.

ASA backs scams awareness month

09 February 2007

The Advertising Standards Authority is supporting the Office of Fair Trading’s (OFT) scams awareness month as part of an international drive by consumer protection bodies to stamp out scams. The ASA deals with hundreds of complaints about advertising scams every year. Mass-marketing scams are fraudulent, misleading and pernicious and often target the most vulnerable people in society. By raising consumer awareness and working closely with the OFT we can educate the public on how to avoid falling for them and to ultimately help stamp out scams.

Self-regulation in the digital age

25 January 2007

Time is running out to develop a system of self-regulation for the digital age according to the Advertising Standards Authority's (ASA) Director General Christopher Graham.  Delivering the keynote speech at the Westminster e-forum on Regulation in the Future, Mr Graham warned that it would be a challenging task requiring agreement between advertisers, their agencies and both old and new media.

New food rules for non-broadcast ads

The Committee of Advertising Practice (CAP), the body responsible for writing the UK non-broadcast advertising code, has announced new rules for food and soft drink product advertisements to children. The new rules, designed to help protect children’s health, recognise and respond to public concern about rising levels of childhood obesity. The rules will come into force on 1 July 2007.

ASA Consumer Conference 2006

13 November 2006

The ASA is always keen to hear the views of consumers of advertising, as it provides us with a valuable insight into public opinion which can guide us in our decision-making process. This year, the ASA held its Consumer Conference at the Watershed Media Centre, Bristol on Thursday 30 November. A cross section of the community gathered to learn more about the ASA and take part in workshops and debates.

Behind the scenes ... Being an Independent Reviewer

13 November 2006

Continuing our series of interviews behind the scenes of the self-regulatory system, Sir John Caines explains his role as Independent Reviewer of ASA Adjudications ...

Former Culture Secretary Chris Smith to be next ASA Chairman

13 November 2006

Asbof and Basbof, the bodies responsible for financing the self-regulatory system, have this week announced that they have appointed the Rt Hon Lord Smith of Finsbury as the next ASA Chairman. Lord Smith will succeed current ASA Chairman, Lord Borrie QC on 1 July 2007.

Lessons from the Big Brother promotion: advertisers urged to make their promotions crystal clear

13 November 2006

The Big Brother house hit the headlines again in October, but this time it had nothing to do with the weird and wonderful antics of the housemates. It was because the ASA published yet another upheld complaint adjudication against confectionery brand Nestle and Channel 4, which ran a "Golden Ticket" promotion giving viewers the chance to be a housemate.

The ASA gets to grips with advertising for broadband packages

13 November 2006

With technological improvements occurring at such a rapid rate, high-speed Internet connections, are now available to thousands of homes nationwide. This has led to a flood of headline-grabbing claims for broadband and telephone packages. Recent rulings from the ASA have highlighted some of the contentious areas in advertising for these types of products.

The CAP and BCAP Consultation on Gambling Advertising has now closed

04 October 2006

The CAP and BCAP Consultation on Non-broadcast and Broadcast Advertising of Gambling closed on 15 September 2006. CAP and BCAP would like to thank all those who responded.

12th ASA Consumer Conference - Bristol, 30 November

03 August 2006

The ASA is holding its annual consumer conference in Bristol on Thursday 30 November and is calling on all those with a view on advertising content to come along to the free event.

Food advertising to children: a fourth option is proposed to Ofcom

03 August 2006

In response to Ofcom's public consultation on food advertising to children, trade bodies representing the food and advertising industries have suggested a fourth proposal for how food and drink ads should be regulated.

Smillie reception for ad complaints

03 August 2006

Number six in our series of articles looking behind the scenes of the advertising system turns its focus to the important role performed by the Complaints Reception Team. Barrie Smillie writes ...

Taking the gamble out of ads

03 August 2006

The Broadcast Committee of Advertising Practice (BCAP) and the Committee of Advertising Practice (CAP) are consulting on new rules for gambling ads, following the passing of the Gambling Act 2005.

ASA refers One TV to Ofcom

28 June 2006

The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) has referred the teleshopping channel One TV to Ofcom to consider formal sanctions.  This action follows an ASA upheld ruling against One TV on 10 May 2006. One TV has repeatedly failed to fulfil customer orders and provide refunds.

26,000 complaints to advertising one-stop shop

26 April 2006

The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) has today published its Annual Report for 2005. The Report, which covers the ASA's first full year of regulating TV and radio as well as non-broadcast advertising, reveals that a total of 26,236 complaints were lodged in 2005 - a 16% rise on the number of complaints received in 2004.

Making headlines

26 April 2006

The fifth in our series of articles looking behind the scenes of the advertising regulatory system, takes a look at the work of the press officer within the ASA's Communications team.

Most complained about ads of 2005

26 April 2006

Nearly one in five of all the complaints lodged with the ASA in 2005 concerned the ads featured in the top 10 list of most complained about ads. Of these, one-third related to KFC's TV ad featuring call centre workers singing with their mouths full, racking up a total of 1,671 - making it the most complained about ad ever.

Ofcom leads the debate on food and drink TV advertising to children

26 April 2006

With almost a third of UK children overweight, how TV advertising for food and drink should be regulated is one of the most hotly contested debates taking place in the marketing industry today.

ASA withdraws pool betting advertisement

30 March 2006

The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) has ordered print advertisements for ThePool.com, an online betting site, to be withdrawn with immediate effect. The ASA is investigating a complaint from a member of the public that the ads appeal to 16 and 17 year-olds. The non-broadcast advertising code prohibits gambling ads being directed at people under 18.

Television advertising of food and drink products to children

28 March 2006

Ofcom press release on proposals for new restrictions on television advertising of food and drink products to children.

ASA hits airwaves with another bad ad

16 March 2006

The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) is launching its first radio advertising campaign with what might be the worst advertisements ever. Whilst each one is decidedly and deliberately unprofessional, they are designed to convey that the ASA's strength lies in removing ads that are offensive, harmful or misleading.

Future proofing advertising freedom

09 March 2006

The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) Chairman, Lord Borrie QC has challenged the advertising industry to protect its interests by engaging with the question: Is self-regulation still the best way to protect advertising freedom?

New appointments to the ASA Council

06 March 2006

Lord Borrie QC, has appointed two new members to serve on the ASA Council - Elizabeth Fagan, Group Media Director for DSG International, and Professor Gareth Jones, Chair of Christian Theology at Canterbury Christ Church University.

ASA predicts financial loss for consumers who respond to psychic scams

15 February 2006

Psychic mailings are nothing more than mass-marketed advertising scams. They prey on the insecure and vulnerable in society and can be both financially and emotionally detrimental to consumers. The ASA is warning the public how to avoid falling for them.

ASA lends support to OFT scam awareness drive

25 January 2006

The ASA is lending its support to the Office of Fair Trading (OFT) Scams Awareness Campaign to help raise public awareness of the problems with scams.

Be a savvy shopper

25 January 2006

January is the month when high street shops are adorned with bright red signs screaming ‘Sale!’, but before you shop ‘til you drop beware of common retail tricks of the trade.  The vast majority of advertisers are truthful and honest, but here are few tips to make sure your shopping spree is not spoilt by the few that are not.

Direct concern

25 January 2006

New research from the ASA shows that consumers generally believe that regulation of traditional media is improving. However, less than a third of respondents believed that the same was true of direct mail.

Serial complaints

25 January 2006

Food advertising, especially when directed at children, is set to be one of the hottest issues for the ASA in 2006. With healthy eating firmly on the UK’s public and political consciousness after high profile campaigns, such as chef Jamie Oliver’s push to improve school dinners, a growing number of manufacturers are keen to promote the benefits of their products.

The Copy Consultant

25 January 2006

The fourth in our series of articles looking behind the scenes of the advertising regulatory system, takes a look at the work that is done to try to prevent problematic advertising from ever seeing the light of day. Dan Watt discusses the role played by the Copy Advice team ...

Young's dealt a bitter blow by new alcohol rules

25 January 2006

The first ban on an alcohol ad since new rules came into force last year shows that the ASA is set to take a tougher stance on campaigns.

ASA warns advertisers of the regulatory demands of digital

19 January 2006

"The advertising business cannot afford to abandon self-regulation in the digital world," Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) Director General Christopher Graham told an audience of international business leaders in New York last week.

ASA backs scams awareness campaign

The ASA is using February to focus on advertising scams, highlighting how they work and how to avoid them.