Ofcom has today launched the logo that TV channels must use to signal to viewers when a UK-produced programme contains product placement*. Product placement will be allowed in UK television programmes for the first time from 28 February 2011. The requirement to signal product placement in UK-produced programmes is set out in UK and European law, and will be reflected in Ofcom’s Broadcasting Code. More information about product placement can be found here: http://www.ofcom.org.uk/productplacement The full press release can be found here: http://media.ofcom.org.uk/2011/02/14/product-placement-logo-to-be-shown-on-tv-screens/
Product Placement Logo
And with this short announcement Ofcom creates yet another irritant, along with warnings about ’contains flash photography’ and pixelating anything that moves. Now we must have an ugly logo cluttering the HD screen and with it a whole new topic.
“How many products did you see?”
“5″
“I counted 4″
“What about the kettle?”
“The kettle doesn’t count?”
“Yes it does”
“No it doesn’t, it was just there in the kitchen”
“But I could read the Make and Model”
“It doesn’t mean it was placed there”
“Well how else did it get there, it didn’t fly, did it?”
(Aaaaaargh! Shoot me now)
*ITV channels must broadcast the new logo for three seconds at the start and end of shows which have been paid to include products AND after any advertising breaks!
Product Placement from Blue Zoo on Vimeo.
