New Guidance Note: Identification of Advertisements
The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) has released its new Guidance Note on Identification of Advertisements.
The nature of advertising is constantly evolving and recently there have been calls to help consumers identify
advertising. The ASA Code of Ethics states that all advertising content controlled directly or indirectly by the
advertiser should be identified as such, regardless of the medium used to distribute it.
This Guidance Note will assist advertisers and their partners to understand what constitutes an advertisement and how to
ensure it is clearly identified. It is particularly relevant to online influencers and companies that utilise
influencers as part of their marketing strategy.
This Guidance Note has been developed by the ASA Codes Committee, which includes advertiser, agency, media and public
representatives, and in consultation with senior representatives from the digital marketing sector. The ASA consulted
widely with industry to obtain their input. ASA Chief Executive, Hilary Souter, thanked committee members and industry
for their contribution to the development process.
Jana Rangooni, Chief Executive of Radio Broadcasters Association said “The Radio Industry is pleased to see the ASA
working to put guidance in place that provides a more even playing field across all channels of advertising in New
Zealand. If we want strong media outlets producing great local content then everyone, including those operating in the
global digital media environment, needs to be held to account to the same degree as local media channels.”
Sharon Moffat, Head of Marketing Services at ASB said that as an advertiser, they welcomed the clarity the Guidance Note
provides. She said “With the growth of native advertising content and social influencer marketing, the line between
content and advertising is blurring for audiences, advertisers, agencies and media alike. This Guidance Note clearly
outlines the properties that define content as an advertisement, making it easy for all parties to then understand their
responsibilities under the Codes of Advertising Practice.”
Social Club Chief Executive Georgia McGillivray said the Guidance Note was “a welcome development for influencers,
brands and agencies to gain clarity around their responsibilities”. She added that the guidelines will help validate the
influencer market in New Zealand.
• To view the full report please click here.
ends