Infuriating Ringtone Ad Draws Over 400 Complaints

Over 400 irritated viewers have complained over the latest advertisement for the Crazy Frog ringtone from mobile firm, Jamster, because of its regular, and infuriating, appearance in ad breaks.

The frog, which has previously landed Jamster in hot water over his exposed genitalia, is featured impersonating a motorbike and singing along to the Axel F theme from 80s detective film, Beverly Hills Cop.

While the latest spot has the frog’s genitals concealed, Jamster is still unpopular with viewers, one of which is reported to have complained to the Advertising Standards Authority because the ad makes their “blood boil”.

However, the ASA is powerless against the ad, which is deemed inoffensive and in line with the advertising code.

The Crazy Frog is believed to have generated around £10 million for Jamster to date, with the brand’s power showing no sign of waning. The frog is now featured in ringtones, mobile phone wallpapers, videos and even a CD single due to be released on Monday.

A spokesperson for Jamster told today’s Sun newspaper: “The vast majority love it. It will continue while people want it.”

The ASA has been called upon to investigate other “annoying” advertisements recently, such as KFC’s latest spot, which drew over 1,000 complaints from viewers offended by people singing with their mouths full. Some have speculated that the rise in complaints over relatively trivial offence is due to the ASA’s new complaints procedure, which has made raising issues with the regulator easier than ever.

Last year saw religion topping the charts as the most antagonising theme in advertising, according to the ASA, which received most complaints for those campaigns featuring religious imagery over the course of the year (see Religion Tops Charts In Drawing Ad Complaints).

ASA: 020 7580 5555 www.asa.org.uk Jamster: www.jamster.co.uk