Today four new members, Adair Richards, Jo Swinson, Robin Foster and Ruth Sawtell, join the Advertising Advisory Committee (AAC). They will be responsible for providing advice to the Broadcast Committee of Advertising Practice (BCAP), which writes and maintains the Broadcast Advertising Codes, on the key broadcast advertising issues affecting consumers.

Established in 2005, the AAC advises BCAP on matters relating to the Broadcast Codes. The Committee ensures that the concerns of consumers, viewers and listeners are taken into account when the Codes are drafted.

The new members bring considerable experience of consumer affairs and media regulation to the Committee:

Adair Richards

Adair works with universities to enhance their research and communication capabilities. He sits on the fitness-to-practise committees of the General Dental Council and has held a science communication fellowship at the University of Warwick.

Jo Swinson

Previously serving as Minister for Employment Relations and Consumer Affairs, Jo oversaw the introduction of the Consumer Rights Act 2015. As Minister for Women and Equalities, she led on various high profile policy issues including body image and media representation of women.

Robin Foster

Robin has held senior level roles at the BBC, the Independent Television Commission and Ofcom. An expert on media policy and regulation he has written extensively on the implication of digital and social media for the future shape and health of UK broadcasting.

Ruth Sawtell

Ruth has recently completed a six year term as a Council member at the ASA. With a background in finance, she is currently a non-executive director at the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman and PhonepayPlus.

Of their appointment, Stephen Locke, AAC Chairman said: “I’m delighted that Ruth, Robin, Adair and Jo are joining the Committee. Their extensive understanding of, and insight into, the fast-changing consumer and media landscape will ensure a strong consumer voice in the formulation of broadcast advertising regulation. I greatly look forward to working with them, and with the two members of the previous Committee who will be continuing in their role – Alison Goodman and Claire Whyley”

The new members succeed Angela McNab, John Bradford, Michaela Jordan who served on the Committee for six years and Colin Cameron, who served for seven years.

Stephen Locke said “On behalf of the Committee, I’d like to thank Angela, John, Michaela and Colin for their excellent work throughout their time on the AAC.”

Read the full AAC member biographies.

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