Junk Food Advertising R.I.P.
[SUMMARY—Ofcom announces blanket ban and more.]
(UK) My friends must be gutted—Ofcom today announced a total ban on junk food advertising on, not just children's programming on all channels, but also on programmes which has over a 20% under 16s viewership.
The monetary impact of the restrictions has been cited to be £39m in ad revenue. Even though there is a short consultation period, the ban will be phased in over 2 years with an aim to simply reduce the amount of junk food ads seen by under-16s.
However, if you dig into Ofcom's reports here and here you will find figures outlining young people are watching less and less television and increasingly consuming media through other digital devices and obviously more and more through the net.
It's simple: no one can argue against restricting the amount of adverts which promote the consumption of high-salt and high-fat foods, although reason and common-sense highlights it cannot be a solitary action devoid of alternative subsidies or income streams which the ban will affect. The move also displays a lack of commitment or understood relevancy regarding indigenous childrens broadcasting—maybe the title should read 'UK childrens media R.I.P.'?
UPDATE: There are similar rumblings stateside…
Related post: Future Trends: see Leglislation Not Education, Showcomotion Conference—Part#11 and MediaSnackers Podcast#33
Filed by DK on November 17 2006
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