A banner dragged behind a helicopter over Sydney showing Nova DJ Wippa dressed only in a Santa hat, undies and gumboots dragged behind a helicopter has escaped censure because it is not sexy.

It is the first time such a banner has been investigated by the Advertising Standards Bureau.

The ad was part of a Christmas stunt by the station promoting the Fitzy and Wippa breakfast show, encouraging listeners to snap the banner and post it to social media, or call in and say where they had seen it.

However, not everyone got into the Christmas spirit, with one complainant writing: “I can choose to turn on or off advertising on radio or TV.

“I can choose not to read advertising in a magazine or newspaper. But any form of outdoor advertising that invades the privacy of my own back yard is appalling when I have not chosen to view or be a part of it.”

Nova admitted the ad was “cheeky and irreverent” but defended it saying: “Looked at in context the content of the Advertisement was akin to an underwear or swimwear advertisement and it is arguable that the Advertisement displayed less nudity than many underwear and swimwear advertisements.”

Dismissing the appeal the ASB said the ad was “not sexualised” and it considered the advert “mild and does treat sex, sexuality and nudity with sensitivity to the relevant audience which could include children.” 

It added: “The Board noted that although Wippa is mostly naked in the advertisement it is clear that he is wearing undies and the large Christmas bells decoration covers his genitals so that no private areas are exposed.”