In-show advertising (and the regulations regarding it) - Canadian TV, Computing and Home Theatre Forums

Fry1989 · 2012-04-02, 07:47 PM

I'm sure I'm not the only one starting to notice this happening. For example earlier today, I was watching a show on Fox, and during the show, the lower thirds was momentarily occupied with an advertisment for one of those law firms to call when you want a settlement (like JG Wentworth and the type). At first I've only noticed it on American networks. But just a moment ago, I was watching a show on CityTV and got a lower thirds advert for Breakfast Television. Food Network is also becoming an offender.

I want to know if there are any regulations regarding this, as it's a new annoyance but a practice that seems to be growing.

Wayne · 2012-04-02, 09:56 PM

Arguably it has been happening for over 60 years as early TV shows were directly sponsored by companies with the actors doing live commercials during the show.

Fry1989 · 2012-04-02, 11:12 PM

No, this is a new breed, I've only noticed this recently. And not only does it occupy the lower thirds, it covers program graphics, it even covers the channel logo graphic. It's rediculous.

Commercial breaks are for adverts, the show is to be watched. I mean, overly decorated channel logos and hash tags and graphics telling you about a show that's gonna be on the channel later in the day, are annoying enough, but atleast they're related to what you're currently watching (most of the time). I don't need the number for JG Wentworth when I'm watching the Simpsons.

And I KNOW this wouldn't be tolerated in Britain. People over there are annoyed enough just with the faded channel logo in one of the corners, nevermind this nonsense.

jaxon9032 · 2012-04-02, 11:19 PM

Watch last summer's episodes of The Glades (A&E) and you will find Kia ads built right into the script (and not very well disguised). Or just watch American Idol for the Ford songs.

With the prevalence of PVRs, expect to see more of this. Advertisers know you are skipping the commercials...

Wayne · 2012-04-02, 11:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fry1989

No, this is a new breed, I've only noticed this recently. And not only does it occupy the lower thirds, it covers program graphics, it even covers the channel logo graphic. It's rediculous.

You've never seen football games where they show you the graphics for 60 Minutes and talk about what is coming up tonight on 60 Minutes? This may be newer for some types of shows but it has always been happening on sports.

57 · 2012-04-02, 11:38 PM

Althought it's been present for a while, it's getting much worse. There are a couple of cooking shows that I watch where the on-screen graphics are covered by these "ads" for upcoming programming, or even the programme you're watching. Really stupid.

Product placement is also way out of hand, but that's the subject of a different thread.

BGY11 · 2012-04-02, 11:39 PM

What really bugs me about this is that I've seen it happen when there were subtitles on a show. The ads end up covering the subtitles so you have no idea what the characters were saying. Overall though, this trend should have been expected given the rise of PVR users.

CamDAB · 2012-04-02, 11:41 PM

Each of the screen elements mentioned are separate entities.

Advertisements within the program script is, I would think considered part of the program, regardless of it's annoyance, and not considered by the CRTC.

What's coming up next is technically not advertising per se, from a CRTC perspective, but yes, annoying.

The original post dealt with advertising that would have traditionally had it's own time slot, and be considered to be counted as allowable advertising over a set period of time, as per licensing from the CRTC. I'm not sure if the current Broadcasting Act is technically up to date to deal with embedded on-screen advertising through being defined specifically in the Act.

With enough comments brought to the CRTC's attention, this might get addressed in the future.

Cameron

Fry1989 · 2012-04-03, 12:34 AM

I'm actually thinking of writing Breakfast Television and telling them "i've never watched BT in my life, and I'm deffinately not going to start now with your obnoxious and annoying drop advert in the middle of a show I'm trying to watch". You'd think the break bumpers inbetween commercials would be enough, you don't need to cover up the entire lower third of my screen DURING A SHOW I'M TRYING TO WATCH to tell me "OMG! YOU GOTTA WATCH BT TOMORROW MORING"

BGY11 also brings up an important point I think. This interrupts the subtitles needed for the deaf and hard of hearing.

gzink · 2012-04-03, 01:50 AM

I have pointed out elsewhere. I worked on computer systems so we would have 20 hour work weeks. How did thst work out for us?
Now we're moving to big screen HD for our 'viewing enjoyment'. How do you think that will work out for us?

Tridus · 2012-04-03, 10:11 AM

This seems like a natural reaction to PVRs drastically cutting into the commercial break audience as we all skip them.

avengingangel · 2012-04-03, 12:10 PM

I noticed this most recently on American Idol.
The show was interviewing Heejun Han's parent's and the show was displaying the english translations to what they were saying. All of a sudden an advertisement came up during the broadcast which covered the sub titles.

Zod · 2012-04-03, 12:19 PM

It is getting annoying. They're doing it because less people are watching the regular commercials. People are watching via PVR's and Internet downloads (there's been a steady decline in TV ratings over the last 10 years). Putting them smackdown in the middle of programing ensures they get seen.

I think its really annoying though. I think product placement is much better then covering up the screen with an annoying ad.

Using generic food products and logoless cars always seemed kind of fake anyways. Using brand named food/cars in TV isnt' that distracting and is a more subtle way to advertise.

BGY11 · 2012-04-03, 09:39 PM

This was seen during The Voice last night.

I think at the very least, something should be done to prevent things like this from happening. I don't know what the person was saying because the subtitiles are covered up.

(edit: I have filed a complaint with the CRTC regarding this - will update if I hear anything back). I don't think it's something covered by the CBSC, so this seemed the logical place to file one.

jaxon9032 · 2012-04-03, 10:42 PM

^ wouldn't it make more sense to talk to the broadcaster and express your concern? If the reply from them isn't satisfactory then, maybe, it would time to express your concern to the almighty regulator.

2012-04-02, 07:47 PM	#1
Fry1989 Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Orillia, Ontario Posts: 543	In-show advertising (and the regulations regarding it) I'm sure I'm not the only one starting to notice this happening. For example earlier today, I was watching a show on Fox, and during the show, the lower thirds was momentarily occupied with an advertisment for one of those law firms to call when you want a settlement (like JG Wentworth and the type). At first I've only noticed it on American networks. But just a moment ago, I was watching a show on CityTV and got a lower thirds advert for Breakfast Television. Food Network is also becoming an offender. I want to know if there are any regulations regarding this, as it's a new annoyance but a practice that seems to be growing.

2012-04-02, 11:38 PM	#6
57 Moderator Join Date: May 2002 Location: Toronto, Rogers, 8300HD, eHDD, Panasonic TCP65S1, Denon AVR4310Ci; 8300HD, eHDD & Sony KDL40W3000 Posts: 50,289	Althought it's been present for a while, it's getting much worse. There are a couple of cooking shows that I watch where the on-screen graphics are covered by these "ads" for upcoming programming, or even the programme you're watching. Really stupid. Product placement is also way out of hand, but that's the subject of a different thread. __________________ 57's Home Theatre (Latest equipment & photos) 57's Optimization Services (Home Theatre Optimization)

2012-04-02, 11:41 PM	#8
CamDAB Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Far East End of Hamilton, ON (Lake & Barton, 10th floor facing East) Posts: 1,089	Each of the screen elements mentioned are separate entities. Advertisements within the program script is, I would think considered part of the program, regardless of it's annoyance, and not considered by the CRTC. What's coming up next is technically not advertising per se, from a CRTC perspective, but yes, annoying. The original post dealt with advertising that would have traditionally had it's own time slot, and be considered to be counted as allowable advertising over a set period of time, as per licensing from the CRTC. I'm not sure if the current Broadcasting Act is technically up to date to deal with embedded on-screen advertising through being defined specifically in the Act. With enough comments brought to the CRTC's attention, this might get addressed in the future. Cameron __________________ DAB listener December 2003-November 2011 (DAB Off-Air) HD radio Listener since June 2010

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2012-04-02, 09:56 PM	#2
Wayne Veteran Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Scarboro Posts: 5,568	Arguably it has been happening for over 60 years as early TV shows were directly sponsored by companies with the actors doing live commercials during the show.

2012-04-02, 11:12 PM	#3
Fry1989 Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Orillia, Ontario Posts: 543	No, this is a new breed, I've only noticed this recently. And not only does it occupy the lower thirds, it covers program graphics, it even covers the channel logo graphic. It's rediculous. Commercial breaks are for adverts, the show is to be watched. I mean, overly decorated channel logos and hash tags and graphics telling you about a show that's gonna be on the channel later in the day, are annoying enough, but atleast they're related to what you're currently watching (most of the time). I don't need the number for JG Wentworth when I'm watching the Simpsons. And I KNOW this wouldn't be tolerated in Britain. People over there are annoyed enough just with the faded channel logo in one of the corners, nevermind this nonsense.

2012-04-02, 11:19 PM	#4
jaxon9032 Join Date: Jun 2010 Posts: 105	Watch last summer's episodes of The Glades (A&E) and you will find Kia ads built right into the script (and not very well disguised). Or just watch American Idol for the Ford songs. With the prevalence of PVRs, expect to see more of this. Advertisers know you are skipping the commercials...

2012-04-02, 11:39 PM	#7
BGY11 Veteran Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Calgary AB Posts: 3,163	What really bugs me about this is that I've seen it happen when there were subtitles on a show. The ads end up covering the subtitles so you have no idea what the characters were saying. Overall though, this trend should have been expected given the rise of PVR users.

2012-04-03, 12:34 AM	#9
Fry1989 Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Orillia, Ontario Posts: 543	I'm actually thinking of writing Breakfast Television and telling them "i've never watched BT in my life, and I'm deffinately not going to start now with your obnoxious and annoying drop advert in the middle of a show I'm trying to watch". You'd think the break bumpers inbetween commercials would be enough, you don't need to cover up the entire lower third of my screen DURING A SHOW I'M TRYING TO WATCH to tell me "OMG! YOU GOTTA WATCH BT TOMORROW MORING" BGY11 also brings up an important point I think. This interrupts the subtitles needed for the deaf and hard of hearing.

2012-04-03, 01:50 AM	#10
gzink Join Date: Mar 2010 Posts: 900	I have pointed out elsewhere. I worked on computer systems so we would have 20 hour work weeks. How did thst work out for us? Now we're moving to big screen HD for our 'viewing enjoyment'. How do you think that will work out for us?

2012-04-03, 10:11 AM	#11
Tridus Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Fredericton, NB Posts: 563	This seems like a natural reaction to PVRs drastically cutting into the commercial break audience as we all skip them.

2012-04-03, 12:10 PM	#12
avengingangel Join Date: Aug 2005 Posts: 173	I noticed this most recently on American Idol. The show was interviewing Heejun Han's parent's and the show was displaying the english translations to what they were saying. All of a sudden an advertisement came up during the broadcast which covered the sub titles.

2012-04-03, 12:19 PM	#13
Zod Join Date: Jul 2006 Posts: 590	It is getting annoying. They're doing it because less people are watching the regular commercials. People are watching via PVR's and Internet downloads (there's been a steady decline in TV ratings over the last 10 years). Putting them smackdown in the middle of programing ensures they get seen. I think its really annoying though. I think product placement is much better then covering up the screen with an annoying ad. Using generic food products and logoless cars always seemed kind of fake anyways. Using brand named food/cars in TV isnt' that distracting and is a more subtle way to advertise.

2012-04-03, 09:39 PM	#14
BGY11 Veteran Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Calgary AB Posts: 3,163	This was seen during The Voice last night. I think at the very least, something should be done to prevent things like this from happening. I don't know what the person was saying because the subtitiles are covered up. (edit: I have filed a complaint with the CRTC regarding this - will update if I hear anything back). I don't think it's something covered by the CBSC, so this seemed the logical place to file one.

2012-04-03, 10:42 PM	#15
jaxon9032 Join Date: Jun 2010 Posts: 105	^ wouldn't it make more sense to talk to the broadcaster and express your concern? If the reply from them isn't satisfactory then, maybe, it would time to express your concern to the almighty regulator.