Latest News > Media Release
04 July 2011
AANA considers concerns over outdoor advertising in review of industry Code of Ethics
AANA is encouraged by a report released today from the House of Representatives Committee Inquiry into Billboard and Outdoor Advertising, which has acknowledged AANA’s self-regulatory system.
“AANA will carefully consider the Committee’s report as we conclude our own year-long review of the AANA Code of Ethics. We note the Committee has not recommended government regulation of outdoor advertising. This shows that they have taken into account the low levels of complaints and breaches under the AANA Codes, which indicates that our system is working well,” said AANA’s Director of Codes, Policy and Regulatory Affairs Alina Bain.
“The AANA Codes are technology and platform neutral and already apply across the board to all media and all advertisers, including outdoor advertisements.”
AANA has always sought a collaborative approach with government, industry stakeholders and consumers in building confidence and public trust in advertising and marketing communications through our codes of practice and self-regulatory system. Therefore, last year, AANA decided that findings from the Inquiry report should further inform the review of the Advertising and Marketing Code of Ethics - the cornerstone of the advertising self-regulatory system in Australia.
To date, the review of the Code of Ethics has found a high level of community and industry satisfaction with the Code and recognition of its pivotal role in the self regulatory system.
"AANA thanks the Committee for its input into the self-regulatory system. Our review process has already begun to address many of their recommendations, including a practice note that will provide more detailed guidance to industry on how the Code applies across all media, including the specifics of outdoor.” said Ms Bain.
The Committee also recommended further promotion of the self-regulatory system and regular review and reporting of self-regulatory initiatives.
In our submission to the Committee last year, AANA had already indicated that we will conduct formalised training sessions for the new Code with its members and service provider organisations. AANA sees these educational programs as an important and necessary part of the Code review process and relaunch. AANA had also committed to future reviews of the Code of Ethics and other AANA Codes at regular intervals in order to preserve their currency in the changing environment of advertising and marketing communications.
For further information:
Alina Bain,
Director of Codes, Policy and Regulatory Affairs,
P: 02 9221 8088