The Independent Television Commission (ITC) has introduced a new rule permitting local TV channels to carry programme-length advertisements. There is no increase in the total amount of commercial airtime, but airtime currently allocated for teleshopping can now be used to broadcast longer local ads.
The latest ITC Report shows that death and sex portrayed in recent TV ads have resulted in many complaints from viewers. Several agencies have been forced to amend or withdraw their ads.
The EP´s Economic and Monetary Affairs Committee has called on the EC to develop a single legislative framework for the convergence of telecommunications, media and IT Sectors in the information society. Speaking on behalf of the Committee, Chairman Karl von Wogau (EPP, D) told Brussels journalists that the rapid technological development of Information Society services… Continue reading EU: Call for single framework
The Norwegian Social Affairs Ministry has announced that as a special exemption, alcohol advertising will be permitted during the 1999 World Ice Hockey Championships. Warsteiner, the German brewer, is among the sponsors. The announcement has been made to avoid the championships being moved to another country. The Social Affairs Minister, however, is still keen to… Continue reading NOR: Alcohol advertising exemption
The Independent Television Commission (ITC) has clarified its position on slimming advertising – all ads for slimming aids must be backed by medical evidence of their efficacy and safety. The new rule also incorporates Foods Intended for Use in Energy Restricted Diets for Weight Reduction Regulation which comes into effect from 31 March 1999.
BSkyB today announced financial results for the year ending 30 June 1998 at a packed Queen Elizabeth Centre, London. It revealed that there was a turnover of £1.434 billion and an operating profit of £340.6 million. Pre-tax profits for the quarter fell to £52 million, while earnings per share dropped 14% to 14.5p.The media giant… Continue reading Fall In Profits For BSkyB
The Sunday Telegraph is launching a new children’s supplement in partnership with Disney.The full colour comic will be called The Sunday Telegraph Disney’s Planet, and be edited by Kate Graham. The launch is to be accompanied by advertising on Children’s ITV, Channel 4 and Sky.Huge Drayton, Telegraph marketing director, commented: “The Sunday Telegraph under the… Continue reading Sunday Telegraph Launches Kids Supplement
The EP will this week vote on a proposal to extend a 1985 directive on producer liability for defective products to include “primary agricultural products and game”. Speaking following the adoption of her report in the Environment Committee, Dagmar Roth-Berendt MEP (D, PES) welcomed the proposal as an important contribution to enhanced consumer protection against… Continue reading EU: Extension of Producer Liability
Amid growing concerns over software piracy on the Internet, the EC has put forward proposals for new EU laws to protect copyright regulations. This follows the discovery that there are over 50,000 Internet and World Wide Web sites where pirate software can be downloaded very cheaply and sometimes for free. The EC is now conducting… Continue reading EU: EC to study US anti-piracy framework
The Council working group on consumer affairs has been unable to reach a conclusion on the draft Council resolution on the consumer in the information society, and discussions will continue this week in COREPER. Most MS still appear to favour a text that includes a clear statement that “consumers should be able to rely, in… Continue reading EU: Council Resolution discussions continue
