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Nine slapped over gambling ads during kid’s movie

Nine in breach after it screened 6 gambling ads during a screening of The Spiderwick Chronicles.

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Nine has breached the Commercial TV Industry Code of Practice after broadcasting gambling ads during a kid’s movie on 9GO!

The Australian and Communications Media Authority found six commercials for CrownBet were shown between 7.30 pm and 8.30 pm during The Spiderwick Chronicles last September.

Starting at 6.31 pm, the film was classified PG. But the code states that gambling ads must not be broadcast during any program broadcast between 5.00 am and 8.30 pm that is principally directed to children.

“The restriction on gambling adverting was expanded in the 2015 code to address community concern about children’s exposure to betting and gambling advertising,” said acting ACMA Chairman, Richard Bean.

“In this case, the commercials encouraged viewers to use an online betting platform to stake money on the outcome of the 2016 AFL Grand Final and the player who would score the first goal in that match. Since the code came into effect in December 2015, these types of commercials cannot be broadcast in programs principally directed to children, regardless of their classification.”

The breach comes at a time when networks and government are under pressure to reduce or ban gambling ads during Live sport, amid concerns too many children are being exposed to them.

Nine indicated it has taken steps to minimise the likelihood of a repeat offence.

ACMA said as this was the first investigation it has undertaken under a new clause of the Code, it felt the matter had been sufficiently addressed.

Updated: A Nine Spokesperson said: “It is disappointing to be breached as we believe we interpreted the code appropriately. Today’s finding has provided clarity to ensure we protect our partner’s brands when placing their advertisements. We have now refined our placement protocols to reflect the decision.”

5 Responses

  1. A simple tweak to the ad-scheduling software would do the trick. Don’t play ads with this product code in that program category. All the hard work has already been done, unlike you-tube who now have to watch and classify each uploaded video to match ads to video content.

  2. My kids know most of them by name from just seeing TV we have on – doesn’t mean though that is going to make them inclined to gamble later in life.

    Absolutely agree though that advertising should be appropriate for the show being aired – regardless of time.

    1. It would be good if Seven, TEN etc could please all check they have protocols in place so we can avoid the problem rising there too. I never understand why everyone checks their protocols and training after the event, not before?

      1. This. Would be hard to pick a winner between Nine and Seven in closing the gate after the horse has bolted. Perhaps I should just go with a place bet?

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