zappia

----- Original Message -----

From: Leader, Andrew (T. Zappia, MP)

Sent: Tuesday, March 04, 2008 9:39 AM

Subject: Inappropriate Advertising

I write in reference to an email you sent on 28th February 2008 regarding apparently inappropriate advertising on commercial radio.

Tony has written to the Advertising Standards Bureau to investigate your concerns.

Tony will keep you informed as he receives advise on the matter

Original Message -----

From: Leader, Andrew (T. Zappia, MP)

To: stephens1510@optusnet.com.au

Sent: Monday, March 17, 2008 12:18 PM

Subject: Potentially Inappropriate Advertising

I write in regard to your email of 28th regarding potentially inappropriate advertising.

Tony has written to the Advertising Standards Bureau to request the matter be looked into.

I attach a copy of the letter.

Tony or myself will contact you as soon as a response is received.

----- Original Message -----

From: Leader, Andrew (T. Zappia, MP)

To: stephens1510@optusnet.com.au

Sent: Thursday, April 03, 2008 12:32 PM

Subject: Radio Advertisement Complaint

I write regarding previous correspondence in relation to potentially inappropriate advertising.

Tony has contacted the Advertising Standards Board in relation to this matter.

We have received a response, a copy of which I have attached.

The Advertising Standards Board have received a number of complaints regarding the company in question - Advanced Medical Institute - and have taken action to ensure advertising standards are adhered to in a number of these cases.

However without more specific information regarding the time, station the advertisement aired on and specific content the ASB are unable to pursue this particular matter further.

If you are able to provide further information about the advertisement in question Tony will be able to facilitate the investigation of any alleged breach in advertising codes.

----- Original Message -----

From: stephens1510

To: Leader, Andrew (T. Zappia, MP)

Sent: Friday, April 04, 2008 8:13 AM

Subject: Re: Radio Advertisement Complaint

Thank you for your reply

The ad I was complaining about was one of a series put out by this company.

A young lady told me the one played on Valentine's day on FM radio was offensive.

The trick the company uses is to change the ad so that there is no time to get it banned because of the time it takes to go through the normal complaints process, and meanwhile the ad has done its job.

The one I heard was taken off the day after had sent my first email and a tamer version is doing the rounds now.

What is the point of complaining if it's no longer on.

What is needed is a stronger code of practise where advertisments like this,don't get on the air in the first place.

Step outside your office and ask (at election time this is called polling) anyone walking past if they've heard the radio ad with the line, "Men do you want longer lasting sex ?" or "men do you want to last longer in the bedroom?" and ask if they think these are suitable for children to hear?

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After the Cardinal Pell's Easter message, I wrote to him and the other 3 church leaders featured in the paper and this is one reply that came back.

Dear Mr Stephens,

Thank you for you recent correspondence on the issue of standards in the
electronic media. Please be assured of our strong encouragement for
those like yourself, who are willing to speak out against the
deteriorating standards of advertising on daytime radio and television.
We share your deep concern about the impact of sexually explicit
advertising on children, families and society.

It is a part of the nature of community life that we are all exposed to
those influences which can be found within our culture. As such, what is
broadcast by the media affects all of us as individuals and as a
community. We are very supportive of those initiatives which encourage
the Advertising Standards Bureau and executives in the radio and
television industry to be socially responsible and to take action
against explicit and inappropriate advertising. Children must be
protected from premature sexualisation and exposure to explicit content,
and all advertisements should meet minimum standards of decency and
responsibility. The distorted ideas about love and sex that we all too
often find portrayed within the electronic and print media do us
significant harm as a society.

You may quote these comments and attribute them to this office if you
feel it would be of use.

Yours sincerely,

Chris Meney
Director
Life, Marriage and Family Centre
Catholic Archdiocese of Sydney

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As acceptable broadcast standards have dropped so low that radio station management can't see a problem with the ads is airs, and the Ramsey cooking shows are passed fit to be seen on TV, who looking after the silent majority?

Thank you very much for your time, you have done more in addressing my concerns than anyone I have contacted so far.

I will email you the address of the website I putting together on the responses (or lack of) from all who I've asked for an opinion on media standards.