ABC and YouTube blame ‘account settings’ for video ads blunder
The ABC and YouTube appear to have settled their differences after pre-roll video ads were run before the broadcaster’s programming content despite it claiming it had not given permission.
After Mumbrella revealed that 15s ads for Procter & Gamble products including Head & Shoulders and Gillette Fusion had been running on the ABC’s YouTube channel, the ABC claimed it had been done without its permission and demanded an explanation.
Both organisations spent the last 24 hours or so without commenting further on the issue, until tonight when they both issued statements within a few moments of each other.
The ABC said:
“The ABC does not run advertising on its NewonABCTV YouTube channel. When it was brought to our attention that a pre-roll ad was featured on this channel, the ABC worked with YouTube to remove it. The ABC does accept advertising on two of its ABC Commercial YouTube channels – ComedyonABC and EntertainmentonABC. A lot of the content featured on these two channels is also available as digital and physical product on ABC shop Online and at ABC Shops and Centres. The ABC derives a percentage share of ad revenue from these channels that goes back to the ABC to make programs.”
And YouTube, which is owned by Google, said:
“Pre-rolls are a new ad format which Australian YouTube content partners can opt into. We recently worked with the ABC to correct some account settings relating to where pre-roll ads would show. This has been resolved.”
Based on the two statements, it is unclear which of the two organisations made the error, if that was what happened. Mumbrella’s requests for further clarification were not answered by either party.
The lack of finger-pointing, and simultaneous statements, leads me to believe the ABC and YouTube have a pretty cordial relationship.
Tim, even though the ABC’s statement yesterday was a little terse, I would still say that the ABC “requested” rather than “demanded” an explanation 🙂
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Yes. It may just be an advertising gimmick on both part. They may be collaborating.
Rennel
Savannah GA Advertising
Albany GA Advertising
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Hey Rennell, certified internet marketing consultants should know about the no follow tag. Anyway, I wanted to ask if your site is a giant piss take, is it? Because it’s pretty funny.
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Hey Tim, I think we’re all kind of missing the story here.
It might well be that the ABC doesn’t run advertising on its “NewOnABCTV” channel, but it’s told you it does indeed run ads on its “ComedyonABC” and “EntertainmentonABC” channels.
What’s the difference?
It’s still advertising alongside the ABC’s content, it’s just that it’s not Australian Story.
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Matt,
I think the difference is that advertisers appearing next to editorial (news) content can imply a bias in the news delivered (regardless of whether it has an impact or not). However putting advertisers next to fictional content doesn’t give the perception it has any impact the content.
I could be wrong though…
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Hi Anon,
I’m trying to figure out where in the comment above your thinking about no follow? Also, your commenting on a website as if you have experience. WHO Are You? and what are you talking about? I apologize, but from your comment above you don’t strike me as being to smart. Maybe I’m wrong. Clarify your comment with an educated response, if you can.
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