Heineken Row Not Connected To ITC Review

The Independent Television Commission has told MediaTel this morning that despite trade press reports, it is not reviewing anything specificallly because of the Heineken sponsorship row.

Heineken, sponsor of Hotel Babylon, ITV’s new late-night youth show, was in the centre of racist allegations last week after a fax from a marketing executive to the production company urged the programme to show fewer black audience members, more “normal” people and more evidence of beer.

The ITC has confirmed that it is was already planning a review of their Sponsorship Code, which was last reviewed two years ago. This is to take place in the Spring.

The incident comes at a bad time for sponsorship, when the industry is lobbying for increased liberalisation of sponsorship rules.

ITC: 0171 255 3000