An ad campaign for the launch of Xfm Manchester, which caused 23 people to complain, has not been banned by the Advertising Standards Authority. The poster, part of the 'a new music station is born' campaign, featured two toddlers dressed as Noel and Liam Gallagher, one of which was "flicking the V sign". People complained that it was offensive to have pictures of children making "obscene gestures", while others said the poster would encourage other children to copy the gesture. However, the advertising watchdog sided with Xfm and their agency Mother London who said it was obvious the children were mimicking the Gallaghers, and therefore most people seeing the ad would find it humorous. While the ASA noted that some people might find the ad "in poor taste", the regulator concluded that the gesture was unlikely to cause "serious or widespread offence". So there you go.
Jun 15, 2006
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1 min read
Xfm ad featuring toddlers flicking the V sign cleared by ASA
The Advertising Standards Authority has not banned an Xfm Manchester launch poster showing toddlers dressed as Noel and Liam Gallagher, despite 23 complaints.