Sky ads banned for misleading switchover message
- Published: 07 February 2007 10:00
- Author: Rob Shepherd
- More by this Author
- Last Updated: 08 February 2007 09:16
Sky has had two adverts banned because they misleadingly implied that all terrestrial TV signals would cease following digital switchover.
Sky has had two adverts banned because they misleadingly implied that all terrestrial TV signals would cease following digital switchover.The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) made the ruling after a complainant pointed out that terrestrial TV signals were merely transferring from analogue to digital.
The first of the ads, within a four-page wraparound, stated: 'Don't worry that your terrestrial TV signal is being switched off. We've got it covered.' Inside was the headline, 'Switch to digital with Sky now'.
The second ad said: 'Want to be ready when your terrestrial TV signal is switched off? Sky TV is the only way to go digital right now'. The ads were aimed at Whitehaven in Cumbria, the first town to switch to digital in the autumn.
The ASA said that Sky had breached its codes relating to substantiation, honesty and truthfulness.
The watchdog told Sky to make it clear in future ads that Freeview would be available to people in Whitehaven at the time of switchover.
