ASA and CAP in Nottingham

23 November 2007

While the ASA held a debate about violence in advertising with people from Nottingham, CAP talked to businesses based in the area about advertising regulation

CAP talks to the industry in Nottingham

CAP held a free afternoon seminar for marketing and advertising professionals based in the East Midlands. This free session aimed to arm local businesses with the knowledge that will ensure they produce compliant broadcast and non-broadcast marketing communications.

Representatives from CAP answered questions about ad regulation and the key requirements of the ad codes.  Delegates found out what happens when the ASA receives complaints and learnt about ASA Council decisions from real examples.  They also received guidance on how to avoid common pitfalls and costly and embarrassing mistakes in their ads and promotions and were introduced to CAP’s fast, free copy advice service for non-broadcast ads.

Drawing the line on violence in ads

Images of violence and aggression surround us every day.  Guns, knives and conflict feature in news reports, computer games, TV shows and films.  Are such images suitable for use in ads?   With rising public concern about violence and anti-social behaviour, the ASA's seminar brought together the ASA’s senior executives with delegates who have a personal or professional concern about the use of violent imagery in advertisements.   Hosted by the ASA’s Chairman, Lord Chris Smith, the discussion focussed on the ASA’s past judgements about violence in ads and where the line should be drawn in future. 

Themes for discussion included protecting children from harmful or offensive ads, images of knives and guns in ads and commercials for violent video games and horror films.   Delegates shared their expertise about the use of violent imagery in media and gave reactions to the ASA’s past judgements on violent ads.  A report of the debate will be sent to the ASA’s Council to help it judge future complaints about violent ads.