AANA Evolves Code Of Ethics To Clarify Use Of Sexual Appeal In Ads
The Australian Association of National Advertisers (AANA) has announced it has amended clause 2.2 of its overarching Code of Ethics to prohibit advertising that uses sexual appeal in a manner that is either ‘exploitative or degrading’.
Previously, the code prohibited the use of sexual appeal that was ‘exploitative and degrading’.
At the same time, the AANA has amended its definition of ‘exploitative’ to ensure greater clarity for advertisers. The existing prohibition on the use of any sexual appeal in advertising that portrays minors remains unchanged.
The AANA said that in evaluating the application of section 2.2 of the Code of Ethics, it could see no logical reason why ads that the Advertising Standards Board deemed to use sexual appeal in a manner that was ‘exploitative’ alone should also not be prohibited under the code.
The term ‘exploitative’ will now be defined as: “(a) taking advantage of the sexual appeal of a person, or group of people, by depicting them as commodities; or (b) focusing on their body parts where this bears no relevance to the product or service being advertised.”
To date, exploitative has been defined as: “clearly appearing to purposefully debase or abuse a person, or group of persons, for the enjoyment of others, and lacking moral, artistic or other values.”
The definition of ‘degrading’ will remain unchanged as “lowering in character or quality a person or group of people”.
AANA chief executive John Broome said: “We are confident that the changes we are now making to the Code of Ethics and the accompanying practice note will better align to community expectations.
“We want to make it absolutely clear that it is not acceptable to use sexual appeal either by depicting people as commodities or by focussing on their bodies when such a focus bears no relevance to the product or service being advertised.
“Furthermore, when the ASB conducted extensive community research recently to evaluate the extent to which Advertising Standards Board determinations aligned with broader community opinion, it emerged that clause 2.2 could be drafted in such a way to improve alignment with community standards.”
Broome said the AANA had taken note of community debate about the use of sexual appeal both in popular culture and in advertising.
It also consulted closely with the Advertising Standards Bureau and industry bodies like the Outdoor Media Association, which Broome said are fully supportive of the proposed amendments.
“For the vast majority of advertisers, this change will not impact their modus operandi,” he said.
“The reality is that most already ensure that their advertising does not use sexual appeal in a manner which is exploitative or degrading.”
The changes to the AANA’s Code of Ethics will come into effect on Thursday 1 March 2018.
Please login with linkedin to comment
AANA Australian Association of National Advertisers Code of Ethics sex appeal sexual advertisingLatest News
Women In Print Starts New Chapter & Finds New Home
Women in Print has re-launched itself this week to take on the year, and future ahead. A refreshed brand, website, calendar and team are leading the way with Women in Print also announcing a new partnership with The Real Media Collective. A new look, new management and new focus – Community, Knowledge, Network and Support […]
Emotive Partners With YouTube And The United Nations
Creative agency, Emotive, and Good Oil Films, is partnering with YouTube and the United Nations to raise awareness around the importance of quality education, which forms part of the UN’s Global Goals for sustainable development.
HWBK Retains Seven Miles & Secures Campaign Work With Marine Stewardship Council
As this photo proves, gone are the days when it was shorties to the front, tallies to the back & polkadots were a no-no.
Grill’d Launches 100% Natural Campaign
Hungry Jacks may claim its "burgers are better", but Grill'd can most certainly claim its are four times more expensive.
LinkedIn Perfectly Captures The Realities Of WFH In New Spot
Sadly, new campaign doesn't answer why people look far more attractive in their LinkedIn photo than in real life.
Zuckerberg: Regulating Targeted Ads Will Hurt Small Businesses
Zuckerberg slams regulators and issues terse warning to whomever's using his squeezable mayonnaise in the staff fridge.
Televised Church Service Catches The Full Fury Of The Beirut Explosion
Arguably, church is one place you'd want to be during a massive explosion. But as this proves, a bank vault's better.
Trump Interviews Trump In A Hilarious Mashup Of His Car-Crash TV Interview With Aussie Journo
It's not often you hear "leader of free world" & "comedic genius" in the same sentence, such is the Trump presidency.
Nielsen Launches End-to-End Sponsorship Decision-Making Solution SPONSORLAB
Nielsen unveils end-to-end decision-making tool that can be used to scale the side of buildings in the event of a fire.
“F*ck My Life”: Channel Nine Reporter Goes Viral For Rather Relatable On-Screen Blunder
"F*ck my life" almost sounds like a long-lost Sex Pistol's song or the title of Tony Abbott's memoirs.
Quaden Bayles To Sue News Corp’s Miranda Devine For Suggesting Bullying Was A “Scam”
Apparently, there was moonwalking & jazz hands at News Corp's lawyers' office today as news of this cash cow arrived.
Social Media Marketing: It’s Not All About Paid Ads
No denying social media can be a veritable minefield. Make sure you don't put a foot wrong with this explosive read.
ScoMo Rules Out TikTok Ban
ScoMo rules out TikTok ban, as Albo releases his latest unicorn, fairy dance video complete with cascading rainbows.
Wednesday TV Wrap: ABC’s Hard Quiz Wins Night In Entertainment
The daily TV wrap is the "sports pages" but for TV. B&T's TV reporter even smells a bit like an old Tele league journo.
Research: 23% Of Aussies Have Made Or Seen Embarrassing Behaviours In Work Video Meetings
B&T has improved our Zoom staff videos by forgoing the 'pants optional' rule & banning the wearing of nipple tassels.
Reports: Black Nike Employees Angry Over The Brand’s Latest “Masterpiece”
It appears a little bit of Teflon is coming off the Nike brand. Apparently, it's even had a fried sausage stuck to it.
Outdoor Industry Unites For Global #OurSecondChance Campaign
The global Out of Home (OOH) industry has today launched a campaign #OurSecondChance. The campaign asks simple questions about how we can make the most of the positive opportunities that have arisen out of the pandemic. Broadcast on OOH signs around the globe #OurSecondChance is collaboration between World Out of Home Organisation (WOO) and the […]
Nestlé Crowns Australia’s First Milkybar Kid-Ult
Nicholas Shields now studiously avoided at BBQs, parties & work functions after being named Milkybar's first Kid-Ult.
batyr & UM Take ‘Run For The Herd’ Virtual
With the COVID-19 crisis affecting all crowd-based activities, youth mental-health charity batyr has devised the first-ever Run for the Herd Virtual Festival partnering with media business UM to bring the virtual event to life. With the City2Surf event in Sydney, normally a big fund-raising opportunity for batyr, postponed this year, batyr has created a virtual event and with the support of UM are encouraging […]
Camper Australia Appoints Glenn Marshall As Editor At Large
With his passion for defecating in a freshly-dug hole, Glenn Marshall appointed Camper Australia's editor at large.
Deloitte Australia Appoints First Female CMO, With New Global CMO Also Announced
Deloitte Australia appoints first female CMO, yet still can't get that "man stink" smell out of the office, however.
Instagram Launches Response To TikTok With ‘Instagram Reels’
Instagram reprising Irving Berlin's 1946 showtune "Anything You Can Do (I Can Do Better)" in response to TikTok.
Bauer Survey: Women Looking To Reinvent Post-Covid
As you'll discover here, Bauer might be folding its magazines, but it's definitely ramping up its Survey Monkey efforts.
“Chateau d’Cardboard!” Sales Of Goon Surge 21% In Lockdown
As anyone who's attended a B&T soirée would attest, we don't serve goon. We pour it into a bottle to appear more couth.
How Might PR Withstand The Shadowland & Keep Itself Fully In The Light?
Here's an expert piece by the PR industry for the PR industry. However, there's no air-kissing or piccolos of Moët.
Tealium Appoints Aaron Senden To Lead Growth Across New Zealand
Enterprise sales veteran joins the Tealium leadership team
Does TikTok Really Make Sense For Microsoft?
Here, DDB's Alex Watts skewers, marinades & spit roasts Microsoft's interest in TikTok. All served on a tasy lavash.
QMS Sport Rebrands As Media Tech
Following QMS’ acquisition of TLA Worldwide (Aust) last year, QMS Sport has today announced it will transition to the TLA brand and formally become a business unit of TLA. ‘Media Tech’ is officially the new name for what was formally known as QMS Sport, and will operate alongside TLA’s existing business units that span the […]
TV Market Ad Revenue Dives As It Records $3.4B In FY19-20, Down 13.7%
TV ad revenues plummet 13.7%. Still, it could be worse, they could be in the airline business or flogging cruises.
Times Are A Changin’: Now Is The Time For A Marketing Rethink
This headline does pay a nod to the 1964 Bob Dylan song. Which, admittedly, is far better than nodding to Shannon Noll.
