After conclusion of the 2013 Commercials Contracts negotiations and subsequent ratification, several issues came under review by the JPC and SAG-AFTRA that warranted further discussion and clarification.

(Those issues were previously outlined in 4A’s Bulletin # 7545JPC, dated 8/6/13.)

The JPC and SAG-AFTRA have reached final agreement on these outstanding items. Download a copy of the joint JPC/SAG-AFTRA memorandum for further information.
Continue Reading SAG-AFTRA Commercials Contract – Clarifications

For those of you who were unable to participate or are interested in joining the make up session of the ANA’s complimentary webinar, SAG-AFTRA Commercials Contract: Common Myths and Mistakes, presented by Stacy Marcus, here is the information:

Monday, March 31 at 3:00 pm EDT

Access the webinar using this login link:
https://ana.adobeconnect.com/_a986900632/ana-lre-mar14-2/

To access the audio:
Phone number: 866.302.7047
Access code: 5434704902

The information to access the audio will also be displayed once you click the link above. You will be able to access the seminar room up to one-half hour before the session.

Webinar Overview: Covering public service announcements, the P&H cap, and the ever-sticky issue of B-roll, this webinar will illuminate the common legal and regulatory missteps advertisers and agencies make when producing under the SAG-AFTRA Commercials Contract.

Also, just a reminder that Stacy Marcus will be speaking on the SAG-AFTRA commercials contract at the upcoming ANA Advertising Law & Public Policy Conference, April 23-24 in Washington, D.C.
Continue Reading ANA Webinar Make Up Session: Monday, March 31

Our firm’s LSHI Group reported on an announcement by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) last week, asking for public input on a proposed research study concerning whether the risks presented in direct-to-consumer (DTC) prescription drug ads should be limited solely to risks that are considered “serious and actionable.” While some say the current risk statements found in TV ads are too long and result in, among other things, reduced consumer comprehension, others believe the DTC ads do not provide enough risk information. The deadline for feedback is April 21, 2014. For more information, read the recent post on the Health Industry Washington Watch blog:

http://www.healthindustrywashingtonwatch.com/2014/02/articles/regulatory-developments/fda-developments/coming-to-a-tv-near-you-fda-seeks-public-input-on-limiting-risks-presented-in-directtoconsumer-television-ads/
Continue Reading Should Prescription Drug Risks Be Limited in TV Commercials? The FDA Wants Your Opinion

Join presenter Stacy Marcus on March 18 at 1:00 p.m. EST for a complimentary webinar hosted by the ANA, titled SAG-AFTRA: Common Industry Mistakes. Covering public service announcements, the P&H cap, and the ever-sticky issue of B-roll, this webinar will illuminate the common legal and regulatory missteps advertisers and agencies make when producing under the SAG-AFTRA Commercials Contract.
Continue Reading ANA Webinar: What You Should Know About SAG-AFTRA

Safety First!

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

Per the network guidelines, all advertising that disregards normal safety precautions is unacceptable.  The networks will not accept advertising that directly or indirectly condones or glamorizes

This bulletin outlines several areas where the JPC disagrees with the Union’s interpretation of the 2013 Commercials Contract provisions. The JPC and the Union are working to resolve their differences. In the interim, please notify the JPC by emailing Stacy Marcus at smarcus@reedsmith.com in the event that you receive a claim from the Union regarding any of the issues outlined in the bulletin.
Continue Reading JPC Bulletin re SAG-AFTRA Interpretations of 2013 Commercials Contract Provisions

New 2013-2016 Compensation Rate Sheets, Tables and other supplemental rate-based materials have been drafted, verified and agreed to by the industry and the union. As a reminder, the effective date for any retroactive payments due to performers for compensation under these contracts as well as implementation of new working conditions and other non-economic provisions is no later than June 30, 2013.

Please use the link below to view these materials.
Continue Reading 2013-2016 Rate Charts for the SAG-AFTRA Commercials Contracts

Home soda machine manufacturer, SodaStream, who recently had its Super Bowl ad rejected by CBS is finding new life. While the company will instead be forced to run an alternate ad that has been shown previously, there is a chance that the press SodaStream is receiving from its rejection will create enough buzz to support

One of the major components of broadcasting commercials on national networks is obtaining pre-approval from the network clearance departments. Such clearance considers many aspects of a commercial’s content, but often the most challenging area is substantiation of claims.

The networks require that all advertising claims be valid and adequately substantiated. A research editor at each