• 07/05/2009
Film Ads can now carry a "certificate to be confirmed" tag, where appropriate. More info
• 07/05/2009
The Healthcare Commission has been replaced by the Care Quality Commission. More info
• 07/05/2009
Unenforceable Credit Services must be advertised with a specific caveat. More info
• 07/05/2009
Pay To Enter Competitions reliant on both skill and chance may be permitted to advertise. More info
• 14/05/2009
£1 Million competition launched by the Radio Advertising Awards for creative excellence. More info
• 14/09/2009
Scrappage Scheme Scrappage ads now just require a "see/ask if you qualify for the scheme" tag or similar.
• 05/07/2010
Update 41 is now online, and can be viewed here.



 




National Lottery, The - RACC clearance is needed.

The tag 'players must be 16 or over' must be included in the copy.

Where advertisers other than The National Lottery want to run promotions/prize draws which feature used lottery tickets, written permission is needed from Camelot's legal department at Tolpits Lane, Watford, WD1 8RN.

Third parties may give away free lottery tickets if the full purchase price was originally paid and the advertisement states that they are National Lottery tickets.


Newspapers (See also guidance on use of the word "Free") - RACC clearance is needed for 'UK-wide media' (e.g. national newspapers, magazines, television etc.)

References to a living person in advertisements by newspapers are permissible without that individual's permission, provided that the individual would have no reason to object, and is not defamatory or denigratory.

In cases where the RACC and the advertiser disagree over whether the relevant person is likely to object, the RACC may ask the advertiser to obtain the permission of the person(s) concerned or, in the case of potentially defamatory references, to obtain legal opinion. General phrases (e.g. 'we investigate allegations about X' and 'we tell the story of Y') are more likely to be approved than specific accusations which could be challenged.

If newspapers wish to claim 'read our exclusive interview with X', the RACC needs written evidence that the paper has exclusive rights to the interviewee.


News-Style Advertising

Advertisements which imitate news bulletins, through news-based phrases and sound effects, are acceptable provided that listeners can quickly recognise the item as an advertisement. The RACC may request that advertisements include a clear early reference to the name of the advertiser and advise that the advertisements be scheduled away from news bulletins.

Script submitters must forewarn the RACC if the copy has been booked, or is to be booked, as a Newslink (solus) spot.


Nursing/Residential/Care Homes (See also Hospitals and Clinics) - RACC clearance is required.

Advertisers must provide an assurance that they are registered with the Local Health Authority/Local Authority and that their staff hold professional qualifications.