Advertising Association

Remit

The ASA announced on Wednesday that it will be extending its remit further into the digital space (from March 2011). Guy Parker appeared in a number of Radio & TV interviews to explain what this means. Great coverage on the front page of the Financial Times, followed by their first ever live twitter chat.

The message is clear; marketers must ensure that their marketing communications must be legal, decent, honest and truthful - wherever they appear. The announcement marks the culmination of a two year project at the Advertising Association, which involved the entirety of the industry pulling together. It's a great achievement and will benefit consumers, businesses, and the peoples of advertising.

Reformulation

Mars and McVities are reformulating products in a bid to make them healthier. The former is aiming to reduce saturated fats in Mars Bars, Snickers and Milky Way, whist the latter will be reducing the number of calories in a Penguin.

Perspective

A report out today from the British Beer and Pub Association, using HMRC figures, reveals the biggest fall in UK alcohol consumption for 60 years. There was a 6% decline in total alcohol consumption in 2009, making it the fourth annual decline in five years. UK drinkers are now consuming 13 per cent less alcohol than in 2004, and UK consumption remains below the average for the EU.

Pax Britannica

Jeremy Hunt appeared at the Internet Advertising Bureau yesterday and outlined his commitment to the sector. He said lots of nice things, and compared the UK's production of digital content to the time of Pax Britannica, after the Battle of Waterloo, when the British Empire controlled most of the key naval trade routes leading to a period of overseas expansionism.

He also spoke of the need to harness innovation in online advertising, presumably without the opium wars. Read more about the excellent Q&A here.

Cycle

This Sunday, thousands of Londoners get on their bikes for SkyRide. Organised rides are taking place across the capital and pass some of London's most famous landmarks in an automobile-free setting. There are still places available so sign up here.

More?

+ How CPR's affect price information – OutLaw
+ Industry launches anti-drunkenness outdoor ad campaign
+ Google and AOL in new agreement
+ Ebay rolls out biggest campaign to date
+ US retailers test interactive tools
+ Google presents new priority tool
+ UK favours product placement if cheaper TV is the result
+ Aegis revamps management team
+ Binatone sells first ipad rival
+ Strongbow bashes bankers in new campaign
+ Coors Light £3m ad review

Ads of the week

Orange – Jack Black in Gulliver's Travels

Client: Orange Agency: Fallon Media: Cinema

Levi's 501 – Pick-up (1989)

Client: Levi Agency: BBH Media: TV

EP Report on Advertising

The English version of MEP Philippe Juvin's "Own Initiative" Report for the European Parliament has now been published. Some of the report is positive - describing advertising as a "tool" that "oils the wheels of economic activity by stimulating competition, competitiveness, innovation and creativity", as well as providing benefits for consumers "by increasing choice and lowering prices".

The report also praises self-regulation as "a dynamic, flexible and responsible adjunct to the existing legislative framework", but raises concerns about "hidden" forms of advertising. The MEP proposes there should be a study on advertising via the internet and portable devices, more EU-wide cooperation in combatting "unfair online advertising practices", and restrictions on online alcohol advertising.

EVENTS

Media Business Course, Brighton 3rd-6th November

The Media Business Course has rightly established itself as the UK's leading syndicate-based media course. Nowhere else is so much knowledge and experience provided so professionally by experts in their respective fields. As such a, fantastic learning experience guaranteed. Get some more information and download the 2010 booking form here.
This year's course is held at the Grand Hotel in Brighton, and will run from Wednesday 3rd November to Saturday 6th. Speakers will include Rory Sutherland (Ogilvy/IPA), Andrew McGuinness (BMB), Grant Millar (Vizeum UK), Adam Freeman (Guardian), Richard Eyre (IAB) and Barry McIlheney (PPA).

IAA UK Chapter, Lunch – 17th September

IAA UK will hold its next luncheon on 17th September, at the Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park in London, with BP's Luc Bardin.

Luc invites you to share his experiences as custodian of BP's brands. He is Group Chief Sales & Marketing Officer and a Group Vice President, BP plc. He is responsible for BP's Sales and Marketing strategies and capabilities, Group Brand management and Olympic sponsorship. He also has P&L accountability for BP's Strategic Partnerships organization.

AA members pay £85. £105 for non-members. Read more at the dedicated site.

Appeal To & Engage Today's Children & Their Parents – 28th September

Respond to the latest trends and deliver targeted campaigns across different media channels at Marketing's September conference. Book before 12th August and save £100. Visit the event website.

Tim Lefroy will be talking about the current regulations, ethical guidance and CHECK.

Changing Advertising Summit – 12th October

Now in its fourth year, this in-depth one-day summit will examine the changing dynamics of effective consumer engagement in a world where digital is no longer the 'new' but the 'norm'.

Discover how the recession, the recovery, globalisation, digitalisation, fragmentation and convergence are reshaping your industry and how you can stay ahead of the curve. Book here.

Speakers will include Keith Weed, David Jones and Ben Hughes (FT). For the latest speaker news and access to exclusive CAS 2010 content and offers follow @GuardianCAS2010 on Twitter.

DPA Digital Publishing Awards – 18th November

Entry to the 2010 Digital Publishing Awards, the top event in the digital publishing sector, bringing recognition and status to winning brands, teams and individuals, opened for online entries on Tuesday 4th May.

Awards will be presented at a Gala Dinner that follows the DPA Annual Digital Publishing Conference, 18th November, the De Vere Grand, Brighton. For further information visit the dedicated website.

Debating Group - dates for your diary

Below are the advance dates for upcoming Debating Group debates:

18 October 2010 (Direct Marketing Association)
29 November 2010 (Advertising Association)
24 January 2011 (Chartered Institute of Marketing)

Further information about the Debating Group is here.