Expert consumers wanted!

14 October 2004

The industry body about to become responsible for the TV and radio advertising Codes - the Broadcast Committee of Advertising Practice (BCAP) - is seeking consumers to join an Advertising Advisory Committee (AAC) to provide independent advice on broadcast advertising regulatory policy .

From 1 November 2004, Ofcom will contract out responsibility for regulating broadcast advertising content to the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA). At the same time, the advertising industry, via BCAP, will take charge of the broadcast advertising codes.

The Advertising Advisory Committee will act as an independent sounding board for BCAP on matters relating to broadcast advertising regulation. BCAP is seeking to recruit six members plus an independent Chairman.

Applicants will need to have a demonstrable interest in public policy or consumer affairs as well as an interest in television and radio advertising. Members will participate as individuals, not as representatives of groups, organisations or other interests, and should be free of advertising or media interests. A panel including the Chairman of BCAP, Andrew Brown, and ASA Chairman Lord Borrie QC will recruit the new AAC members.

Commenting on the recruitment drive, Andrew Brown, Chairman of BCAP said: "The AAC will play an important part in the shaping of broadcast advertising regulatory policy. We hope to recruit strong, committed members to ensure that the new system of broadcast regulation has the strongest foundations possible."

Applicants for the Advertising Advisory Committee should visit www.asa.org.uk/appointments. Applications must be received by 8 October 2004.