OFCOM figures show support for tough rules on TV junk food advert

Richard Watts, Coordinator of the Children's Food Campaign said in response to Ofcom's release of the results of their public opinion research on junk food TV advertising: "We're very pleased that Ofcom's research into consumers' views on how best to protect children from junk food advertising echo what previous surveys have said: people want tougher restrictions than Ofcom are offering them."
 
He continued: "But we are disappointed that Ofcom have, yet again, made a pig's ear of this consultation by not researching people's views on the option of a 9pm watershed for junk food TV adverts.  Because of this we are releasing a letter from Ofcom in which they suggested to us that
they had included the 9pm watershed as an option in their research. Such behaviour is sadly typical of the way in which Ofcom has conducted itself during this whole episode. 

"I suspect the reason they did not include the 9pm watershed was because they knew that the result would be enthusiastic support for robust restrictions that really will protect children, at the expense of their friends in commercial broadcasting."
 
Ends
 
All media enquiries should be directed to:
 
Richard Watts: Tel: 0203 5596 777 (work);  07710 782719 (mobile);
email: richard@sustainweb.org 
 

Notes to Editors:

1. Letters between Richard Watts and Polly Weitzman are attached.  The
key paragraph is 3.b (Page 2 of both letters).  The key exchange is:
Richard Watts: "I understand that Ofcom did include restrictions before
the 9pm watershed in the research.  I would be grateful if you could let
me know who wrote the case for this option that was put to participants
in the research process?"  Download letter as PDF
Polly Weitzman: "Industry groups had no role in writing the case for the
9pm watershed option in the research, or any other option." Download letter as PDF
 
2. The Children's Food Campaign wants to improve children's health and
well-being through better food - and food teaching - in schools and
protecting children from junk food marketing.  We are supported by over
300 organisations, almost 300 MPs and 12,000 members of the public.  We
were behind the ground-breaking Children's Food Bill introduced into
Parliament last year.
 
3. A poll taken earlier this year by TNS on behalf of the British Heart
Foundation found that 68% of respondents would be in favour of a 9pm
watershed restriction, with only 7% of respondents stating that they
would object (British Heart Foundation 2006: sample of 838 adults aged
between 16-64.  Poll conducted by TNS research between 9 and 15 May
2006.)  Crucially, parents' support for a 9pm watershed was uniform
across all regions of the country and parents with children of all age
groups. 
 
4. A survey by Which? in February and March 2006 found that 79% of
parents think that TV ads for unhealthy foods should not be shown during
the times that children are most likely to be watching TV.
 
5. Sustain: The alliance for better food and farming, advocates food and
agricultural policies and practices that enhance the health and welfare
of people and animals, improve the working and living environment,
enrich society and culture and promote equity.  Sustain is a registered
charity and has a membership of around 100 national public interest
organisations.  For more information, see: www.sustainweb.org.

Richard Watts
Campaign Coordinator, Children's Food Campaign
M: 07710 782719