Victory for TV advert industry

Date: 26/04/01

By Peter Chapman

OPPONENTS of a ban on TV adverts aimed at children were claiming victory this week after a European Commission-funded study endorsed self-regulation by industry.

Sweden, which has a national ban on children's commercials, has pushed hard for an EU-wide ban during its Union presidency.

But the report said an existing broadcasting directive already "worked effectively" to protect against harmful advertising campaigns and that there have been few complaints from viewers.

The development comes as EU consumer and internal market ministers prepare to meet in Lund, Sweden, this weekend to debate ways to boost consumer confidence.

Opponents of a ban on TV adverts aimed at children were claiming victory after a European Commission-funded study endorsed self-regulation by industry.