Turner Broadcasting found itself in hot water in the UK recently after the US-based cable television giant repeatedly aired an ad for bookmarker Coral on its children’s channels.
Coral said it was “horrified” at what the Advertising Standards Authority termed a “serious breach” of rules. Turner apologized “unreservedly” and explained that the ad, which ran nine times on the morning of Saturday, 25th May, on the Cartoon Network and Boomerang, had been “incorrectly scheduled” as a result of a misplaced booking number.
BBC News reports that the commercial opened with a voiceover saying, “This is Coral gaming, online and on mobile,” before showing a shot of the Incredible Hulk, among other images.
Seven viewers complained, the report said.
Coral said neither it nor its agency had booked air time on children’s channels or during any other children’s programs, and after being notified of the error it suspended all other Coral commercials due to be aired by Turner that weekend.
Turner said, “We have reviewed our transmission processes to ensure this highly regrettable incident remains a one-off occurrence.”
The ASA added that it was “deeply concerned,” but it acknowledged Turner’s assurance and ruled that no further action was necessary.
