Advertising Regulations

Media regulation is a constant and frequently controversial issue in and across societies. Many ideologically charged issues of media standards and perceptions of taste and decency collide with claims to and for freedom of expression or other values. This entry discusses how advertising[Page 18] regulation operates and the topics that are frequently covered by regulatory codes.

The regulation of advertising involves two differing approaches, which can be defined as the consumer interest and the citizen interest. Each leads to different policies, practice, and regulatory decisions. The consumer interest is a matter of business contracts and a relationship with advertising that focuses on the integrity of the marketing communication. It is business focused. The citizen interest deals with the twin issues of media effects and determining what ...