New independent members wanted for ASA Council

15 October 2004

The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) is looking to recruit three members of the public to serve on the ASA Council - the body that determines whether advertising content is acceptable.

The ASA is responsible for maintaining standards in non-broadcast advertising. Following the announcement by Ofcom that it intends to transfer the responsibility of broadcast advertising regulation to a new system that will operate under the auspices of the ASA, the ASA is looking to increase the number of people serving on its decision-making body. Subject to parliamentary approval of Ofcom's plans, successful applicants for the ASA Council member positions will consider complaints concerning both broadcast and non-broadcast advertising.

The ASA Council currently has twelve members, and is led by the ASA Chairman, Lord Borrie, Q.C. The new appointments will extend the number of Council members to 15. Two thirds of the Council's membership is made up of independent members - drawn from all walks of life - whilst the remaining third have a background in the advertising industry. Lord Borrie is responsible for the appointment of all Council members.

Commenting on the recruitment drive, Lord Borrie said: "The ASA is about to enter one of the most exciting periods in our history. We are looking to recruit three strong candidates to work alongside our established and experienced Council members as we prepare to take on the challenges of regulating broadcast advertising. I hope that our national press recruitment drive will encourage anyone interested in advertising matters who is able to make a valuable contribution to our work to apply to be considered."

Applicants for the vacancies must not have worked within the advertising industry. Anyone interested in joining the ASA Council should visit www.asa.org.uk/appointments.

 

  www.asa.org.uk/appointments