Task 4 - Regulation

Regulation

Advertising is an essential part of modern economy. It informs consumers about the things that are available to them. It also makes consumers aware of the sales on products which is vital information for saving money; which is a very big issue at the moment with the society that we are in. But this information must be true, not biased and clear for the consumer. The advertisements must be trusted.

Ofcom

Ofcom is the government-based regulatory and competition authority for broadcasting, telecommunications and postal industries of the United Kingdom. Ofcom has wide-ranging powers across the television, radio, telecoms and postal sectors. it has a statutory duty to represent the interests of citizens and consumers by promoting competition and protecting the public from what might be considered harmful or offensive material.

ASA

Ensuring that advertising can be trusted is where the Advertising Standards Authority comes in. The ASA started 50 years ago, and it's job is to ensure that advertising in all forms of media - from newspapers, magazines and billboards through to television, radio and the internet is legal, decent, honest and truthful. If an advert fails those tests, then the advertising is either amended or withdrawn. 

Some good points about Regulation: 

Advertising helps promote and stimulate competition
Advertising draws attention to a product or service
Advertising tells consumers how much things cost
Advertising makes us aware of different brands
Advertising helps fund media
There are 20,000 jobs in the advertising industry
Advertising helps businesses make a profit 
Advertising helps change society's behaviour 
Advertising tells us where to access products and services
Advertising warns people about dangerous activities
Advertising can be funny and entertaining

The work of the advertising standards authority covers advertisements in:

Magazines and newspapers 
Radio and TV
Television shopping channels 
Posters 
Cinema