Proposal to renew the co-regulatory arrangements for broadcast advertising

Under the Communications Act 2003, Ofcom has a duty to set broadcast standards in advertising and to prevent the inclusion of advertising in licensed services that may be misleading, harmful or offence.

In 2004, Ofcom contracted out certain functions relating to the regulation of broadcast advertising content under co-regulatory arrangements with the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA). Those arrangements expire later this year.

Ofcom now proposes to renew the existing arrangements with minor changes for a further ten year period. The basis for possible renewal is set out in a letter to Lord Smith, Chairman of the ASA.

Ofcom invites comments on our proposal to renew the existing co-regulatory arrangements and is keen to hear from all interested parties. Comments should be submitted by 17:00 on Friday 30 May 2014, addressed to:

Daniel Maher
Content Standards, Licensing & Enforcement Operations Manager
Riverside House
2a Southwark Bridge Road
London
SE1 9HA

or submitted by email: daniel.maher@ofcom.org.uk.