The Advertising Standards Bureau (ASB) has banned an ad from TV streaming service Stan after a complaint against the ad said it was “rude”, “confronting” and “inappropriate”.
The promo ad for new series SMILF was aired on Nine’s on-demand service, Nine Now, and talked about the five reasons that viewers should watch the program.
“There is a lot of male nudity, there’s a lot of full frontal, a lot of dick, full frontal [penis], long fat [penis],” Shaw says as one of her five reasons.
One complainant was concerned the ad had been played during episodes of Kath & Kim and home buying and selling show, Flip or Flop.
“I do not think the words used were appropriate to be shown on a series that kids can watch,”the complainant said.
Stan responded to the use of the words “dick” and “peen” (slang for penis), reflected the tone of the show, but did not employ “a tone of overt or obscene sexuality”.
“These words are in common use throughout Australia and are not inconsistent with prevailing community standards, particularly in the opt-in environment of on-demand viewing,” Stan said.
The ad watchdog ruled the ad was not appropriate to be aired during Flip or Flop, which is rated G, and Kath & Kim, rated PG.
“The board considered that the advertisement did use strong, language for the circumstances in a manner that is inappropriate particularly given the relevant audience would include children.”
In response to the ban, Stan blamed the streaming service provided by its part-owner, Nine.
“There are specific advertising challenges in relation to placement of advertisements within video-on-demand, as providers may not guarantee advertisements within certain programs or timeslot,” Stan said.
This isn't the first time Stan has had its ads reviewed by the ASB. An ad featuring Rebel Wilson was slammed as "crass" and "offensive" but was cleared by the watchdog.
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