Government maintains product placement ban

Culture Secretary Andy Burnham has announced that, following a period of consultation, the Government will maintain the ban on product placement on television.

On balance, and mindful of the need to maintain public trust in television broadcasters and British television’s reputation for high standards, the Government has concluded that no conclusive evidence has been put forward that the economic benefit of introducing product placement is sufficient to outweigh the detrimental impact it would have on the quality and standards of British television and viewers’ trust in it.

Therefore, the Government has decided to maintain the status quo so that product placement will continue to be prohibited in television programmes made by and for UK television broadcasters...

We will review the position on television product placement in 2011/12, taking into account the conclusions reached by Ofcom on the quantity and distribution of television advertising, changes in viewing habits, and any new evidence about the impact and potential benefits of product placement.

Updates:

• ITV Chairman Michael Grade threatens legal action
• Shadow Ministersays Burnham's decision is "very foolish"
• Channel 4 supports ban
• Archive: The Guild's contribution to the consultation process