REM: National television stations have committed more than 5,000 violations of the Advertising Law.

According to the data published each month on the REM website, the Advertising Law was most frequently violated by TV Pink – 1,739 times, followed by Prva with 1,364 violations, and B92 with 1,050. Next is Hepi with 618 violations, the first program of RTS with 233, and the second channel of RTS with 43 violations.

Reports are prepared for the REM Council, which has not existed for over a year, and which should take measures or initiate misdemeanor proceedings based on this data. At the end of each monthly report, available on the website of this body, it is emphasized that the data were obtained “from the software after supervision and control by analysts and analyst assistants.” “The number of violations that will be subject to judicial proceedings may vary depending on subsequent checks,” is noted in the reports.

Among the most common violations last year were covert advertising, which according to the law, is the representation of goods, services, business names, trademarks, or other signs, or the activities of a natural or legal person engaged in the production of goods or the provision of services, with the intent that this representation serves the purpose of advertising and can mislead the public regarding its true nature, particularly if it is done for monetary or other compensation.

The rules regarding product placement in television programs were also violated, according to which “the inappropriate appearance of the product, service, or trademark being promoted, particularly through close-up shots of the product or by highlighting qualities by hosts, guests, or other participants in the program” is prohibited.

The reports indicate that broadcasters do not comply with the provision of the Advertising Law which stipulates that news broadcasts may be interrupted for the purpose of airing TV advertising, or TV sales, once in each entire segment of a program whose expected duration is at least 30 minutes. The irregularities observed pertain to the display of advertising during segments of programs that lasted less than 30 minutes.

Additionally, there were recorded instances of non-compliance with the article stating that sponsored media services or program content must not directly encourage the purchase or lease of goods or services, especially through promotional references to those goods or services.

Source: ANEM