AANA and Ad Standards to merge to reduce costs and complexity
The structure of Australia’s advertising watchdog is undergoing a shake-up, with the board of Ad Standards – the industry’s self-regulator – merging with the board of Australian Association of National Advertisers (AANA).
The industry body said the move will reduce unnecessary costs and complexity in the self-regulatory system, particularly given the impact of COVID-19 on advertising spend.
Former deputy chair and acting chair of the Australian Communications and Median Authority (ACMA), Richard Bean, has been appointed as independent director for complaints handling to supervise the work of Ad Standards’ community panel and industry jury. Bean is an indirect replacement for CEO Fiona Jolly who departed in June.
Bean also co-led the efficiency review as the ABC and SBS
In response to questions from Mumbrella about how many staff or board members would leave the organisation as a result of the merger, a AANA spokesperson said: ““The AANA board will have to review the structures to ensure that the self-regulatory system is run efficiently but there have been no decisions made regarding the details. The composition of the new AANA board will be confirmed at the November AGM.”
Chair of the AANA, Martin Brown, said the group had already received a positive response from stakeholders about the shake-up.
“Richard’s interim appointment has been widely welcomed, so too has our move to reduce unnecessary cost and complexity in the self-regulatory system, particularly given the impact of COVID-19 on advertising spend. I am pleased to say that all relevant industry stakeholders have indicated their determination to help maintain an appropriately funded system of self-regulation,” he said.
Ad Standards’ chair David Scribner, praised Bean’s credentials and pedigree.
“Richard has held senior management roles in both the private and public sectors. As a former deputy chair and acting chair of the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA), he has a strong regulatory background in communications and so is very familiar with the important role that Ad Standards undertakes in ensuring that advertising content meets community standards. I am delighted we’ve been able to secure someone of Richard’s calibre, while we decide on a permanent appointee,” he said.
This is a good move for all stakeholders.
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