The Joint Policy Committee, LLC (“JPC”) reached an agreement with the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (“SAG-AFTRA”) on the 2019 Commercials Contract and Audio Commercials Contract on April 2, 2019. The deal, led by Reed Smith partner and Chief Negotiator, Stacy Marcus, now moves into its next stages and will be

From time to time it’s good to keep in mind specific network guidelines when producing public service announcements.

According to network standards, public service announcements (PSAs) are meant to inform the public of the work of charitable, governmental, and non-profit organizations and other services available to the public. Such announcements must reflect the true nature

From time to time I like to remind clients of specific network guidelines to keep in mind when developing advertising. One such guideline involves the advertising of food.

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According to the network guidelines, advertising may not overstate the nutritional value of foods. Use of words such as “nutritious” or “healthy” must be substantiated and

From time to time I like to remind clients of specific network guidelines to keep in mind when developing advertising. One such guideline involves the use of public symbols in advertising.

According to network standards, heads-of-state, other public officials, religious leaders, and public buildings and/or monuments must be treated with appropriate respect and dignity when

From time to time I like to remind clients of specific network guidelines to keep in mind when developing advertising. One such guideline involves guarantees or warranties.

Per the network guidelines, references to guarantees, warranties, or similar terms in advertising copy must comply with all applicable laws and governmental rules and regulations, including the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act and the rules promulgated by the Federal Trade Commission.

Advertisers should generally disclose whether an advertised warranty is “full” or “limited,” its duration, and any major limitations of the warranty, such as, parts excluded, costs or responsibilities the customer must undertake. Advertisers should also disclose that rest of the warranty can be seen at the store, e.g., “See dealer for details,” or the like.

The following guidelines apply to advertising referencing a guarantee, warranty, or other promise or representation in the nature of a guarantee or warranty:
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From time to time I like to remind clients of specific network guidelines to keep in mind when developing advertising.  One such guideline involves sponsorship identification.

Per the network guidelines, advertising must contain proper sponsorship identification pursuant to the Communications Act and rules and policies of the Federal Communications Commission (47 C.F.R. § 73.1212).

In

Effective September 1, 2014, all advertising commercials, sponsorship messages and promotions broadcast on television stations in Canada must be aired with closed captions for the hearing impaired. This requirement may necessitate that you add closed captioning to commercials previously produced and aired that will be broadcast on or after September 1st.

For a complete explanation of the requirements, please download the Institute of Communications Agencies (ICA) member bulletin.
Continue Reading Canada Requires Closed Captioning for All TV Commercials

From time to time, I like to remind clients of specific network guidelines to keep in mind when developing advertising. One such guideline involves product demonstrations.

Per the network guidelines, when a commercial demonstrates the attributes of a product, the demonstration must be performed with actual examples of the product as available to consumers, and the results must be accurately represented. The use of mock-ups or enhanced or altered products is not permitted.
Continue Reading Today’s Hot Topic: Demonstrations