DECISION

Chairman's Ruling

11 May 2001

Complaint 01/103

Complainant: J Searle
Advertisement: Vodafone



Complaint: An advertisement for Vodafone was screened on TV One. It conformed with the lyrics of a song by "Blur", called "Boys and Girls". As the lyrics changed so did the animated images. The final lyrics were exhibited as text graphics, "Alwys Shud B Sum 1 U Rlly Luv..." together with a voice-over message stating, "Everyone, absolutely everyone, on Vodafone can text message...".


The Complainant said the advertisement contained a sexual theme, and it was inappropriate to broadcast when young children were likely to be exposed


The relevant provisions were Code of Ethics, Basic Principle 4 and Rules 4 & 5.


In the Chairman's opinion the advertisement did not target young children and this was confirmed somewhat by the fact that the advertisement was screened during the news, which was essentially adult viewing. In all other respects previous decision 00/264 applied. The Chairman was therefore of the view that the complaint did not disclose a prima facie case.



Accordingly the Chairman ruled the complaint be not accepted.



Chairman's Ruling: Complaint Not Accepted