Why Are The ASA So Important?

The ASA regulate ads that are shows on various forms of media. They also handle and act on
complaints that may be given. They carry out many other regulatory activities to make sure
advertising stays within the rules. Together with CAP, they work to support the industry to help
them get their ads right before they are published. ASA can act on just one complaint. ASA also
proactively check the media to take action against misleading, harmful or offensive
advertisements, sales promotions and direct marketing.
Why Do You Think Advertising Needs To Be Regulated?
I think that advertising needs to be regulated in order for viewers to not get offended, if adverts
are not regulated multiple groups of viewers may see adverts as misleading, harmful or
offensive to others. Closer regulation of advertising will promote continued innovation by
allowing companies to better understand the rules. Regulation is needed to make sure that not
only the right guidelines are used, but also to make sure everyone follows them so that the
advertising industry will continue to move forward.
Who Are Ofcom And What Do They Do?
Ofcom regulate the TV, radio and video-on-demand sectors, fixed-line telecoms, mobiles and
postal services, plus the airwaves over which wireless devices operate, they are made sure that
people in the UK get the best from their communication services and are protected from scams
and sharp practices, which ensuring that competition can thrive.
Why Are Ofcom Important?
Ofcom set and enforce regulatory rules for the sectors for which they have responsibility. They
also have powers to enforce competition law in those sectors, alongside the Competition and
Markets Authority.
How Are They Funded?
Ofcom is funded by fees from industry for regulation broadcasting and communications
networks, and grant-in-aid from the government.
What Act Do They Operate Under?
Ofcom operates under a number of Acts Of Parliament, including in particular the
Communications Act 2003. Ofcom must act within the power and duties set for it by Parliament
in legislation. The Communications Act says that Ofcoms principal duty is to further the interests
of citizens and of consumers, where appropriate by promoting competition. Meeting this duty is
at the heart of everything they do. Ofcom was established as a body corporate by the Office of
Communications Act 2002. Ofcom operates under a number of Acts of Parliament and other
legislation. These include the Communications Act 2003, the Wireless Telegraphy Act 2006, the
Broadcasting Acts 1990 and 1996, the Digital Economy Act 2010 and the Postal Services Act
2011. Ofcom is the regulator for the UK communications industries, with responsibilities across
television, radio, on demand, postal, telecommunications and wireless communications
services.1
1 https://www.ofcom.org.uk/about-ofcom/what-is-ofcom

What Is The Difference Between Ofcom And The ASA?

The ASA are UK independent regulators of advertising across all media. They apply the
Advertising Codes, which are written by the Committees of Advertising Practice. Where as
Ofcom is the government- approved regulatory and competitions authority for the broadcasting,
telecommunications and postal industries. Ofcom has wide-ranging powers across the
television, radio,telecoms and postal sectors whereas ASA only deal with the regulation of the
content of advertisements, sales promotions and direct marketing. ASA is not government
funded but by a levy on the advertising industry where as Ofcom is government funded.