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Southern Stars Shine in Premiere of MICHELIN Guide Atlanta

Posted on by Operations Team

  • Five restaurants receive a MICHELIN Star in inaugural selection
  • City boasts two restaurants earning MICHELIN Green Star
  • 10 Bib Gourmand, plus four Special Awards, also revealed
  • 45 total restaurants, 23 cuisine types reflected in Guide

 

ATLANTA, Oct. 24, 2023 — The first MICHELIN Guide Atlanta has been revealed, and the selection features five one-MICHELIN-Star establishments and two MICHELIN Green Star eateries. Bacchanalia brought home one of each.

The full selection, including Bib Gourmand restaurants and Recommended eateries, totals 45 restaurants. Chefs and restaurant teams were honored Tuesday night at the Rialto Center for the Arts.

“Our famously anonymous inspectors enjoyed experiencing Atlanta and its dynamic culinary landscape,” said Gwendal Poullennec, the International Director of the MICHELIN Guides. “They came away impressed with the diverse offerings, as the selection of restaurants not only reflects a taste of the South, but also has a good deal of international flavor. There is so much for foodies to savor here. Whether they’re local residents or international travelers, they’re in for a treat!”

Here are the new one-MICHELIN-Star restaurants, with inspector notes from each (Inspectors’ comments in full on the MICHELIN Guide website and mobile app):

One MICHELIN Star

Atlas (American cuisine)

When the night calls for a grand celebration, few places fit quite like Atlas. Order à la carte from Chef Freddy Money’s seasonal American menu with European influences or celebrate with the tasting menu for dishes like tender lobster plated with smoked paprika butter sauce and heirloom summer squash, and poached halibut composed with a trio of beet preparations. Wagyu beef from Australia is a decadent end to the savory courses. Impressive cocktails, a cheese cart and whimsical desserts complete the well-rounded experience.

Bacchanalia (American cuisine)

Chefs/Owners Anne Quatrano and Clifford Harrison and Executive Chef Kai NaLampoon offer a multicourse prix fixe that involves a bit of flair, with some dishes arriving on carts or nestled inside glass cloches, and the cheese course is a wonderful surprise. Rather than an expected slice, the team presents a clever take with a crumbly oat date cake and a dot of black garlic sauce surrounded by rings of parmesan. Chilled lobster in a ponzu sauce with bright English peas and horseradish oil is also memorable, but it may just be the delicate grapefruit soufflé garnished with spicy pistachio crumble and rose crème anglaise that takes the cake.

Hayakawa (Japanese cuisine)

A local legend for his Japanese cuisine on Buford Highway, Chef Atsushi Hayakawa has begun a new chapter in West Midtown. The meal is a procession of small courses and hews toward the structure of kaiseki. After items such as an appetizer trio with clear fish soup, scallop sashimi with miso-mustard sauce and simmered monkfish, it’s time for sushi. The chef crafts nigiri from imported fish that needs little embellishment and is amply sized in the tradition of Hokkaido style in deference to the chef’s hometown.

Lazy Betty (Contemporary cuisine)

Chef Ron Hsu and Chef Aaron Phillips oversee a contemporary tasting menu with clever flavor combinations that highlight regional ingredients. Causa is given a Southern slant with sweet Georgia shrimp, avocado purée and potato foam infused with aji amarillo pepper, while seared Hudson Valley foie gras is sided by Granny Smith apple, sweet potato and dots of pumpkin butter. From the pre-dessert lemon sherbet with a coconut crumble to the elegant rosewater panna cotta, they impress to the end.

Mujō (Japanese cuisine)

Mujō is an intimate setting with a moody elegance. This is the domain of Chef J. Trent Harris and his skilled team who make all feel well cared for. Here, tradition has been replaced with a rollicking good time, where the always-surprising interpretation of omakase begin with an array of zensai, like a morsel of Florida cobia grilled over binchotan, dressed with a red miso sauce and some local pattypan squash. After some cooked bites, it’s time for the raw. Nigiri needs little to impress, while supplemental dishes offer the likes of Hokkaido hair crab, tosazu and mozuku.

MICHELIN Green Star

Bacchanalia (American cuisine)

Chefs own and operate Summerland Farm in Cartersville, Georgia, where they grow much of their produce and harvest eggs. They also have a composting program, and they feed chickens with vegetable scraps.

The Chastain (American cuisine)

Chef Christopher Grossman’s menu changes often, depending on what’s available from local farm partners and in his onsite regenerative-farmed garden. The Chastain recently joined Georgia Organics to help quantify local and organic food purchases. The team composts on site and also uses a compost company to reduce landfill waste. They also recycle glass and use compostable carryout containers.

Bib Gourmand

The MICHELIN Guide inspectors gave 10 restaurants the Bib Gourmand distinction, which recognizes eateries for great food at a great value: Antico Pizza Napoletana, Arepa Mia, Banshee, Bomb Biscuit Co., The Busy Bee, Estrellita, Fishmonger, Fred’s Meat & Bread, Heirloom Market BBQ, and Little Bear.

MICHELIN Special Awards

In addition to the Bib Gourmand and Stars, the Guide announced four Special Awards:

The MICHELIN Guide Ceremony is presented with the support of Capital One.

Hotels

The restaurants join the MICHELIN Guide selection of hotels, which features the most unique and exciting places to stay in Georgia and throughout the world.

Each hotel in the selection has been chosen by MICHELIN Guide experts for its extraordinary style, service and personality — with options for all budgets — and each can be booked directly through the MICHELIN Guide website and app. The selection for Georgia features the state’s most spectacular hotels, including design-forward boutiques like the Clermont in Atlanta and the Perry Lane in Savannah, standouts from our “Plus” collection like the intimate Stonehurst Place, music-inspired college-town haunts like Graduate Athens, and dependable luxury-boutique stalwarts like the Thompson and the Andaz.

The MICHELIN Guide is a benchmark in gastronomy. Now it’s setting a new standard for hotels. Visit the MICHELIN Guide website, or download the free app for iOS and Android, to discover every restaurant in the selection and book an unforgettable hotel.

About Michelin North America, Inc.

Michelin, the leading mobility company, is working with tires, around tires and beyond tires to enable Motion for Life. Dedicated to enhancing its clients’ mobility and sustainability, Michelin designs and distributes the most suitable tires, services and solutions for its customers’ needs. Michelin provides digital services, maps and guides to help enrich travel and make them unique experiences. Bringing its expertise to new markets, the company is investing in high-technology materials, 3D printing and hydrogen, to serve a wide variety of industries — from aerospace to biotech. Headquartered in Greenville, South Carolina, Michelin North America has approximately 23,000 employees and operates 34 production facilities in the United States and Canada. (michelinman.com)

About Capital One
At Capital One we’re on a mission for our customers – bringing them best-in-class products, rewards, service, and experiences. Capital One is a diversified bank that offers products and services to individuals, small businesses and commercial clients. We use technology, innovation, and interaction to provide consumers with products and services to meet their needs. Through Capital One Dining and Capital One Entertainment, we provide our rewards cardholders with access to unforgettable experiences in the areas they’re passionate about, including dining, music and sports. Learn more at capitalone.com/dining and capitalone.com/entertainment.

For more information, contact:

Andrew Festa
Michelin North America
andrew.festa@michelin.com

Devon Gunn
Capital One
devon.gunn@capitalone.com
Phone: 571-308-4762

Click Here to Visit Our Website

Mint Mobile Appeals National Advertising Division Recommendation to Modify or Discontinue ”Unlimited Plan” and Disparaging Verizon Claims

Posted on by Operations Team

New York, NY – October 24, 2023 – In a challenge brought by Verizon Communications Inc., the National Advertising Division (NAD) of BBB National Programs recommended that Mint Mobile, LLC:  

  • Discontinue or modify the claim that its Unlimited Plan is “now just $15/mo.”;

    •  

  • Discontinue the claim that it “cut[s] out the cost of retail service and passed those sweet savings directly to you”; and 

    •  

  • Discontinue falsely disparaging claims about Verizon’s services and business practices.

    •  

Mint Mobile offers prepaid phone plans, which, unlike plans offered by Verizon and other major wireless carriers, require customers to pay up front before receiving service. Mint Mobile’s $15/mo. price for its Unlimited Plan is a promotional rate that is only in effect for three months. After three months of service, the monthly rate increases with the exact amount of the increase dependent on which plan the consumer selects. 

In banner ads, on social media, podcasts, and in a television commercial, Mint Mobile advertises that the price of its Unlimited Plan is “now just $15/mo.” NAD found that the challenged advertising does not adequately disclose that the $15 monthly service for its Unlimited Plan is a promotional offer for only three months service. Accordingly, NAD recommended that Mint Mobile discontinue the claim that its Unlimited Plan is “now just $15/mo.” or clearly and conspicuously disclose, as part of the main claim or in similar size text and font in close proximity to the main claim, that the offer is a promotional offer for three months of service that requires a $45 upfront payment.

NAD recommended that Mint Mobile discontinue the claim that it “cut[s] out the cost of retail service and passed those sweet savings directly to you” because it did not provide sufficient evidence demonstrating that it in fact “passes along” savings to consumers. 

NAD determined that certain claims made by Mint Mobile in social media convey broad messages about Verizon’s service and business practices. For example, the claims “Ver!zon Victim finally catching on to their shadiness” and “POV: “Ver!zon distracting us so we don’t realize they are now charging for perks,” portray Verizon as dishonest in its approach to consumers and how it prices its services.

Further, NAD found that some claims do not focus on any particular reason why consumers would be disadvantaged by purchasing one of Verizon’s bundled offers for streaming services but rather disparage Verizon’s practices more broadly. For example, Mint Mobile invokes Verizon’s bundled offers by referring to them as a “Bundlef*!”

Because Mint Mobile did not adequately support these broad disparaging messages, NAD recommended that it discontinue the claims: 

  • “#verizonsucks”

    •  

  • “Ver!zon Victim finally catching on to their shadiness.”

    •  

  • “Ver!zon employee trying to convince you that paying for streaming services you used to get for free is a good thing.”

    •  

  • “POV: “Ver!zon distracting us so we don’t realize they are now charging for perks.”

    •  

  • “Ver!zon Victim, “Beware of the Bundlef*!”

    •  

  • “What a Bundlef*! “Ver!zon’s ‘perks’ are now on you. Don’t let them stream you along.”

    •  

 NAD noted that nothing in its decision precludes Mint Mobile from making truthful and non-misleading claims comparing its services with Verizon’s. 

During the inquiry, Mint Mobile voluntarily permanently discontinued certain challenged claims. Therefore, NAD did not review those claims on the merits.

In its advertiser statement, Mint Mobile stated that it will appeal NAD’s decision in its entirety because it disagrees with NAD’s conclusions that it did not adequately disclose the limitations of its $15/mo. offer and did not substantiate its claim regarding passing along savings to consumers. Mint Mobile further disagreed with NAD’s conclusions regarding its social media posts, stating that it “is proud to challenge the status quo by issuing barbs about its competitors on social media – and substantiating any specific claims it makes about them – in an environment that encourages robust dialogue.”

Appeals of NAD decisions are made to the BBB National Programs’ National Advertising Review Board (NARB), the appellate-level truth-in-advertising body of BBB National Programs.

All BBB National Programs case decision summaries can be found in the case decision library. For the full text of NAD, NARB, and CARU decisions, subscribe to the online archive. This press release shall not be used for advertising or promotional purposes.

About BBB National Programs: BBB National Programs, a non-profit organization, is the home of U.S. independent industry self-regulation, currently operating more than a dozen globally recognized programs that have been helping enhance consumer trust in business for more than 50 years. These programs provide third-party accountability and dispute resolution services that address existing and emerging industry issues, create a fairer playing field for businesses, and a better experience for consumers. BBB National Programs continues to evolve its work and grow its impact by providing business guidance and fostering best practices in arenas such as advertising, child-and-teen-directed marketing, data privacy, dispute resolution, automobile warranty, technology, and emerging areas. To learn more, visit bbbprograms.org.

About the National Advertising Division: The National Advertising Division (NAD) of BBB National Programs provides independent self-regulation and dispute resolution services, guiding the truthfulness of advertising across the U.S. NAD reviews national advertising in all media and its decisions set consistent standards for advertising truth and accuracy, delivering meaningful protection to consumers and leveling the playing field for business.  

Contact Information

Name: Jennie Rosenberg
jrosenberg@bbbnp.org
Job Title: Media Relations

Click Here to Visit Our Website

SHP Announced as Recipient of the 2023 James D. MacConnell Award for Winton Woods City Schools

Posted on by Operations Team

Cincinnati, OH – The SHP-designed campuses of the Winton Woods City School District in Cincinnati, Ohio were honored as the recipient of the 2023 James D. MacConnell Award—widely recognized as the most prestigious international award for school planning and design.

View the project’s submission video here.

The highly respected MacConnell Award recognizes excellence in educational facility planning and design. It is bestowed upon a project that employs a detailed process to support the educational goals of the district, reflects the needs of a community, and delivers active and dynamic learning opportunities. The juried competition highlighted SHP’s focus on student voice in the design process and attention to unique pedagogical needs, while noting the resulting designs’ ability to serve as a tool for equity in student outcomes and achievement.

The win reflects a years-long collaborative process of stakeholder engagement, educational visioning and iterative planning that made it possible for SHP to deliver two beautiful, innovative campuses that uniquely meet the needs of the curriculum and community. The buildings foster a supportive community for the students and advance the district’s commitment to project-based learning (PBL), a pedagogical approach to learning that is still considered cutting-edge more than 10 years after the district introduced it.

“[We] accept this award on behalf of Alex, Lorenzo, Gottfried, Alejandra, Cheyenne, Innocent and Tia and the rest of the many, many kids who helped us see what they needed their building to be. Who gave us a glimpse, thanks to their wisdom and their vision, of what learning could actually look like. Congratulations, kids, great job!” said Jeff Parker, SHP’s Director of Visioning, who accepted the award.

“Winton Woods is a testament to how transformative educational facilities can be when they prioritize and value the students they serve,” said Eric Martin, principal of Winton Woods High School. “And that’s the bottom line: our young people are worth it. The dream, the vision and the effort to deliver this unbelievable learning space gives me goosebumps, and it’s thrilling to now have all that hard work recognized within such a prestigious award program.”

Winton Woods—a culturally inclusive, open enrollment district serving approximately 4,000 students—transformed its pedagogical approach and moved to PBL in 2011. However, the 1960s-era building conditions made it challenging to implement the curriculum.

Over four years, SHP engaged all voices and perspectives (more than 1,000 stakeholders over 150+ meetings) to develop the best solution for students, teachers, the district and the community: consolidating six buildings into two campuses. The North Campus (a 248,000sf building serving 1,600 students in grades 7-12) opened in March 2021; the South Campus (a 206,000sf building designed to serve up to 1,900 in grades 1-6) opened the following August.  

Both campuses deliver personalized, unique learning environments to meet the district’s PBL model. Each school features 12 small learning communities (SLCs) of roughly 150 students; each SLC comprises dedicated spaces for traditional, collaborative, interdisciplinary, presentation and hands-on learning, all wrapped around a central collaboration zone. Instead of assigned classrooms, teachers can check out spaces on instructional needs. Meanwhile, an innovative distributed dining system takes advantage of the square footage typically assigned to a cafeteria to support learning more directly and easily.

Winton Woods was one of four finalists in the competition, which also included schools in Brisbane, Australia, Spokane, Washington and Washington, DC. The award was announced Sunday, Oct. 15 at the Association for Learning Environments (A4LE) LearningSCAPES Conference in Chicago.

# # # 

ABOUT SHP 

SHP is an award-winning team of dynamic architects, designers and engineers who maximize the utility, beauty and wonder of space. The firm applies its signature expertise and passion—as well as a multidisciplinary approach—to create lasting environments that simply help people engage in better human experiences. Learn more about SHP’s planning, architecture, interior design, engineering, construction administration and facilities management services at SHP.com. 

Contact Information

Name: Lauren Doyle
Email:ldoyle@wordsworthweb.com
Job Title: Communication Specialist

Click Here to Visit Our Website

Smarter Travel Voluntarily Discontinues “80% Off” Claim in National Advertising Division Fast-Track SWIFT Case

Posted on by Operations Team

New York, NY – October 18, 2023 – The National Advertising Division (NAD) of BBB National Programs has closed a Fast-Track SWIFT challenge initiated by Fareportal Inc., operator of the online travel agency websites CheapOAir.com and OneTravel, regarding advertising by Smarter Travel Media LLC.

Fast-Track SWIFT is an expedited process designed for single-issue advertising cases brought to NAD.

Fareportal challenged Smarter Travel’s “80% off” travel bookings claim featured in search engine ads for BookingBuddy.com, including Google searches for “CheapOAir” with headlines such as “80% Off Cheap Flights? – 80% Off Student Flights?”

Fareportal argued that the challenged claim was not supported. In response to Fareportal’s SWIFT challenge, Smarter Travel informed NAD that during the inquiry it was voluntarily and permanently discontinuing all variations of its “80% off” claim in its online advertising. Therefore, NAD did not review the claim on its merits and will treat the claim, for compliance purposes, as though NAD recommended it be discontinued.

Smarter Travel agreed to comply. In its advertiser statement, Smarter Travel stated that its “search engine listings have included headlines framed as disbelieving questions – i.e., ‘80% Off . . . ?’ It added “Smarter Travel continues to view such phrasing as properly inviting healthy skepticism on the part of consumers. Yet, we acknowledge the view that at least some readers could misconstrue it as making an affirmative (albeit implied) claim.”

All BBB National Programs case decision summaries can be found in the case decision library. For the full text of NAD, NARB, and CARU decisions, subscribe to the online archive. This press release shall not be used for advertising or promotional purposes.

About BBB National Programs: BBB National Programs, a non-profit organization, is the home of U.S. independent industry self-regulation, currently operating more than a dozen globally recognized programs that have been helping enhance consumer trust in business for more than 50 years. These programs provide third-party accountability and dispute resolution services that address existing and emerging industry issues, create a fairer playing field for businesses, and a better experience for consumers. BBB National Programs continues to evolve its work and grow its impact by providing business guidance and fostering best practices in arenas such as advertising, child-and-teen-directed marketing, data privacy, dispute resolution, automobile warranty, technology, and emerging areas. To learn more, visit bbbprograms.org.

About the National Advertising Division: The National Advertising Division (NAD) of BBB National Programs provides independent self-regulation and dispute resolution services, guiding the truthfulness of advertising across the U.S. NAD reviews national advertising in all media and its decisions set consistent standards for advertising truth and accuracy, delivering meaningful protection to consumers and leveling the playing field for business.  

Contact Information

Name: Jennie Rosenberg
Email: jrosenberg@bbbnp.org
Job Title: Media Relations

Click Here to Visit Our Website

National Advertising Division Finds Additional Disclosures for Spectrum Mobile “Speed Boost” Claim Not Needed in Spectrum Mobile Commercial

Posted on by Operations Team

New York, NY – October 13, 2023 – In a Fast-Track SWIFT challenge brought by AT&T Services, Inc., the National Advertising Division (NAD) of BBB National Programs determined that no additional or more prominent disclosures regarding Spectrum Mobile’s “Speed Boost” feature were necessary in a thirty-second commercial for Charter Communication, Inc.’s Spectrum Mobile and Spectrum One Mobile home internet services.

Spectrum One is Charter’s brand name for converged product offerings that include Spectrum Internet, Spectrum Advanced WiFi, and Spectrum Mobile. Speed Boost is a technology that lets Spectrum Mobile customers receive faster wireless speeds on their Spectrum Mobile devices when connected to their Spectrum home WiFi network.

Fast-Track SWIFT is an expedited process designed for single-issue advertising cases brought to NAD. At issue for NAD was whether Charter should make more prominent disclosures regarding Speed Boost to avoid a misleading or unsupported claim. AT&T argued that the commercial failed to effectively disclose the limitations of Speed Boost while conveying a misleading message about the performance and availability of the feature.

In the challenged commercial, a voiceover states “At Spectrum Mobile, you get more with your mobile!” along with an on-screen list of product features, including “Unlimited Data. Unlimited Talk & Text. Reliable Coverage. Nationwide 5G. Secure WiFi. Speed Boost.” The end of the commercial displays a promotional offer for Spectrum One with a disclosure that states “Speed Boost available on Spectrum Mobile devices when connected to Spectrum Advanced WiFi.”

NAD determined that the advertising reasonably conveys the message that Speed Boost is one feature available to Spectrum Mobile customers as part of having the combined Spectrum One service and does not convey a broader message about the performance, availability, or access to Speed Boost.

In this context, NAD determined that no additional or more prominent disclosures regarding Speed Boost were necessary.

In its advertiser statement, Charter stated that it “appreciates NAD’s recognition that Charter may continue to make truthful and accurate claims regarding the availability and benefits of Mobile Speed Boost, and that Charter’s Speed Boost claim in this case does not need additional disclosures.”

All BBB National Programs case decision summaries can be found in the case decision library. For the full text of NAD, NARB, and CARU decisions, subscribe to the online archive. This release shall not be used for advertising or promotional purposes.

About BBB National Programs: BBB National Programs, a non-profit organization, is the home of U.S. independent industry self-regulation, currently operating more than a dozen globally recognized programs that have been helping enhance consumer trust in business for more than 50 years. These programs provide third-party accountability and dispute resolution services that address existing and emerging industry issues, create a fairer playing field for businesses, and a better experience for consumers. BBB National Programs continues to evolve its work and grow its impact by providing business guidance and fostering best practices in arenas such as advertising, child-and-teen-directed marketing, data privacy, dispute resolution, automobile warranty, technology, and emerging areas. To learn more, visit bbbprograms.org.

About the National Advertising Division: The National Advertising Division (NAD) of BBB National Programs provides independent self-regulation and dispute resolution services, guiding the truthfulness of advertising across the U.S. NAD reviews national advertising in all media and its decisions set consistent standards for advertising truth and accuracy, delivering meaningful protection to consumers and leveling the playing field for business. 

Contact:
Jennie Rosenberg
Media Relations
BBB National Programs
press@bbbnp.org

Click Here to Visit Our Website

National Advertising Division Recommends Comcast Discontinue or Modify “10G” Claims; Finds Xfinity “Next Generation” Claim Supported

Posted on by Operations Team

New York, NY – October 12, 2023 – In a challenge brought by T-Mobile US, Inc., the National Advertising Division (NAD) of BBB National Programs determined that Comcast Cable Communications, LLC provided a reasonable basis for its “Next Generation” claim for its “Xfinity 10G Network,” as well as the implied claim that it has already achieved a major technological revolution.

However, NAD recommended that Comcast:

  • Discontinue its “10G” claims or qualify them to (a) make clear that Comcast is implementing improvements that will enable it to achieve “10G” and that 10G is aspirational, or (b) use “10G” in a manner that is not false or misleading, and
  • Modify its advertising to avoid conveying the unqualified message that Xfinity customers’ home internet is uninterrupted during power outages.

 

In February 2023, Comcast rebranded its fixed internet network as “Xfinity 10G Network” to signify technological upgrades to its network that are continuing to be implemented. T-Mobile challenged the name “Xfinity 10G Network” and the claim “10G,” which appeared in a myriad of advertisements on television and online.

“10G Claims”

NAD concluded that “10G” as used in the name “Xfinity 10G Network” and “Xfinity 10G” is an express claim that means 10 Gbps or 10th Generation.

In evaluating support for this claim, NAD found that Comcast’s description of its entire network as “10G” conveys the message that all consumers on the network will receive a significant increase in speed up to 10 Gbps speeds. However, only one of Xfinity’s many plans (Gigabit Pro) can reach 10 Gbps, and to access that service tier requires the installation of fiber to the premises. Further, NAD determined that the evidence in the record was insufficient to support the broad, unqualified message that the “Xfinity 10G Network” is vastly superior to 5G. 

For these reasons, NAD concluded that Comcast did not provide a reasonable basis for its 10G claims and recommended that Comcast discontinue the claims:

  • “10G”
  • “Xfinity 10G”
  • “Xfinity 10G Network”

 

Alternatively, NAD stated that Comcast may modify its advertising to (a) make clear that it is implementing improvements that will enable it to achieve “10G” and that it is aspirational or (b) use “10G” in a manner that is not false or misleading, consistent with this decision. NAD noted that nothing in its decision would prevent Comcast from making a more qualified claim, if supported, about the superiority of its network over 5G.

“Next Generation” and Technological Revolution Claims

Based on upgrades to Comcast’s network reliability, lower latency, and other features, NAD determined that Comcast provided a reasonable basis for its “Next Generation” claim and implied claims that it already achieved a major technological revolution. 

Power Outage Implied Claim

T-Mobile argued that Comcast’s “What a Time to Be Alive” commercials convey the message that Xfinity customers’ home internet is uninterrupted during power outages, but the claim is premature because the Xfinity website stated that “storm-ready” WiFi is “coming soon.”

As the record did not include details on the effectiveness of this monitoring technology in ensuring that customers can still stream a movie uninterrupted when power runs out, NAD found that Comcast did not provide a reasonable basis for this claim. Therefore, NAD recommended that Comcast modify its advertising to avoid conveying the unqualified message that Xfinity customers’ home internet is uninterrupted during power outages.

In its advertiser statement, Comcast stated that it will appeal NAD’s decision because it “disagrees with NAD’s decision, including NAD’s determination that the “Xfinity 10G Network” brand name constitutes an ‘express claim’” and NAD’s assessment of survey evidence submitted by T-Mobile.

T-Mobile will cross-appeal NAD’s determination regarding Comcast’s “Next Generation” and technological revolution claims.

Appeals of NAD decisions are made to the BBB National Programs’ National Advertising Review Board (NARB), the appellate-level truth-in-advertising body of BBB National Programs.

All BBB National Programs case decision summaries can be found in the case decision library. For the full text of NAD, NARB, and CARU decisions, subscribe to the online archive. This press release shall not be used for advertising or promotional purposes.

About BBB National Programs: BBB National Programs, a non-profit organization, is the home of U.S. independent industry self-regulation, currently operating more than a dozen globally recognized programs that have been helping enhance consumer trust in business for more than 50 years. These programs provide third-party accountability and dispute resolution services that address existing and emerging industry issues, create a fairer playing field for businesses, and a better experience for consumers. BBB National Programs continues to evolve its work and grow its impact by providing business guidance and fostering best practices in arenas such as advertising, child-and-teen-directed marketing, data privacy, dispute resolution, automobile warranty, technology, and emerging areas. To learn more, visit bbbprograms.org.

About the National Advertising Division: The National Advertising Division (NAD) of BBB National Programs provides independent self-regulation and dispute resolution services, guiding the truthfulness of advertising across the U.S. NAD reviews national advertising in all media and its decisions set consistent standards for advertising truth and accuracy, delivering meaningful protection to consumers and leveling the playing field for business.  

Contact Information

Name: Jennie Rosenberg
Email: jrosenberg@bbbnp.org
Job Title: Media Relations

Click Here to Visit Our Website

Comcast Appeals National Advertising Division Recommendation to Discontinue or Modify Xfinity “10G” Claim

Posted on by Operations Team

New York, NY – October 12, 2023 – In a challenge brought by Verizon Communications Inc, the National Advertising Division (NAD) of BBB National Programs recommended that Comcast Cable Communications, LLC discontinue the claim “10G” for its Xfinity 10G Network or qualify the claim to make clear that Comcast is implementing improvements that will enable it to achieve 10G and that 10G is aspirational or use “10G” in a manner that is not false or misleading.

In February 2023, Comcast rebranded its fixed internet network as “Xfinity 10G Network” to signify technological upgrades that continue to be implemented. Verizon challenged the name “Xfinity 10G Network” and the claim “10G,” which appeared in a myriad of advertisements online and on television.

NAD concluded that “10G” as used in the name “Xfinity 10G Network” and “Xfinity 10G” is an express claim.

In evaluating this claim, NAD found that Comcast’s description of its entire network as “10G” conveys the message that all consumers on the network will receive a significant increase in speed up to 10 Gbps. However, NAD determined that the 10 Gbps message was not substantiated because only one of Xfinity’s many plans (Gigabit Pro) can reach 10 Gbps, and access to that service tier requires installation of fiber to the premises. Further, NAD concluded, that to the extent that consumers understand 10G as referring to 10th generation mobile technology, this message is also unsupported.

For these reasons, NAD recommended that Comcast discontinue the claim “10G.”

Alternatively, NAD stated that Comcast may modify the claim by (a) qualifying it to make clear that they are implementing improvements that will enable it to achieve 10G and that 10G is the aspiration, or (b) using it in a manner that is not false or misleading consistent with this decision.

In its advertiser statement, Comcast stated that it will appeal NAD’s decision because it “disagrees with NAD’s decision, including NAD’s determination that the Xfinity 10G Network brand name constitutes an ‘express claim.’”

Appeals of NAD decisions are made to the BBB National Programs’ National Advertising Review Board (NARB), the appellate-level truth-in-advertising body of BBB National Programs.

All BBB National Programs case decision summaries can be found in the case decision library. For the full text of NAD, NARB, and CARU decisions, subscribe to the online archive. This press release shall not be used for advertising or promotional purposes.

 

About BBB National Programs: BBB National Programs, a non-profit organization, is the home of U.S. independent industry self-regulation, currently operating more than a dozen globally recognized programs that have been helping enhance consumer trust in business for more than 50 years. These programs provide third-party accountability and dispute resolution services that address existing and emerging industry issues, create a fairer playing field for businesses, and a better experience for consumers. BBB National Programs continues to evolve its work and grow its impact by providing business guidance and fostering best practices in arenas such as advertising, child-and-teen-directed marketing, data privacy, dispute resolution, automobile warranty, technology, and emerging areas. To learn more, visit bbbprograms.org.

About the National Advertising Division: The National Advertising Division (NAD) of BBB National Programs provides independent self-regulation and dispute resolution services, guiding the truthfulness of advertising across the U.S. NAD reviews national advertising in all media and its decisions set consistent standards for advertising truth and accuracy, delivering meaningful protection to consumers and leveling the playing field for business.  

 

Contact Information

Name: Jennie Rosenberg
jrosenberg@bbbnp.org
Job Title: Media Relations

Click Here to Visit Our Website

National Advertising Division Recommends Louisiana-Pacific Modify or Discontinue Certain Home Siding Claims; Finds Other Claim Supported

Posted on by Operations Team

New York, NY – October 12, 2023 – In a challenge brought by James Hardie Building Products, Inc., the National Advertising Division (NAD) of BBB National Programs determined that Louisiana-Pacific Corporation (LP) provided a reasonable basis for the claim that “LP®BuilderSeries®Lap Siding is lighter than fiber cement, allowing you to carry more boards with less effort.” However, NAD recommended certain quantified and unquantified superiority claims about its SmartSide, SmartSide ExpertFinish, and BuilderSeries engineered wood products compared to fiber cement products be modified or discontinued.

Siding products come in various materials including fiber cement, wood, engineered wood, and vinyl with differing price and performance attributes such as protection, durability, and aesthetics.

As support for LP’s superiority claims, which appeared on its website and in videos showing timed installations of company-engineered wood products versus fiber cement products, LP relied on the results of time-motion studies conducted by a leading construction cost data provider, commissioned by LP.

Faster Installation Claims

James Hardie challenged certain quantified installation claims made by LP that touted a precise comparative installation advantage of LP-engineered wood products over fiber cement products including, for example, that “Overall, LP®SmartSide®products installed 30% faster than fiber cement.”

NAD determined that the studies did not reliably support such precise quantified results due to certain non-product variables that may have impacted the results and recommended that the quantified installation claims be discontinued. Further, NAD recommended that LP discontinue the videos or modify them to avoid conveying any quantified installation advantage claims. 

NAD found, however, that the studies reasonably support a qualified comparative message that, in the context of the study, LP’s SmartSide and SmartSide ExpertFinish engineered wood products install faster than fiber cement. Accordingly, NAD recommended that LP:

  • Modify the unquantified claims that “LP SmartSide Primed and LP SmartSide ExpertFinish products both installed significantly faster than fiber cement” and “LP SmartSide engineered wood siding…is much easier—and faster—to install” to clearly and conspicuously disclose the limited testing on which such comparative installation claims are based to avoid conveying a message that the engineered wood products will install faster than fiber cement products under all conditions, and
  • Remove the word “significantly” from the challenged claim.

 

Weight Claims

NAD recommended that LP modify the claim “LP®SmartSide®Lap weighs 45% less than fiber cement” to clearly and conspicuously disclose the basis of the weight comparison (i.e., that the comparison is based on the weight of equal 1’ pieces of the products). NAD found that this modification would avoid conveying an unsupported message that LP’s claim is based on a comparison of the products prior to being cut. 

NAD also found a reasonable basis of support for the challenged unquantified claim that “LP®BuilderSeries®Lap Siding is lighter than fiber cement, allowing you to carry more boards with less effort.”

Waste Claim

Because NAD determined that the studies’ small sample size does not provide a reliable measure of quantified comparative performance, NAD recommended that LP discontinue the claim that “Primed LP®SmartSide®Lap reduced waste by 7% compared to fiber cement.”

Implied Claims

NAD recommended that LP modify its advertising to avoid conveying the unsupported message that by using its engineered wood products instead of James Hardie fiber cement products, consumers can spend less on labor costs. However, NAD noted that nothing in its decision prevents LP from making a more limited comparative savings claim for which it has adequate support.

In its advertiser statement, LP agreed to “modify/discontinue the advertising statements addressed in NAD’s recommendation” even though it “respectfully disagrees with NAD’s decision in several respects, especially with regard to whether the third-party studies adequately supported the precise quantified results.”

All BBB National Programs case decision summaries can be found in the case decision library. For the full text of NAD, NARB, and CARU decisions, subscribe to the online archive. This press release shall not be used for advertising or promotional purposes.

About BBB National Programs: BBB National Programs, a non-profit organization, is the home of U.S. independent industry self-regulation, currently operating more than a dozen globally recognized programs that have been helping enhance consumer trust in business for more than 50 years. These programs provide third-party accountability and dispute resolution services that address existing and emerging industry issues, create a fairer playing field for businesses, and a better experience for consumers. BBB National Programs continues to evolve its work and grow its impact by providing business guidance and fostering best practices in arenas such as advertising, child-and-teen-directed marketing, data privacy, dispute resolution, automobile warranty, technology, and emerging areas. To learn more, visit bbbprograms.org.

About the National Advertising Division: The National Advertising Division (NAD) of BBB National Programs provides independent self-regulation and dispute resolution services, guiding the truthfulness of advertising across the U.S. NAD reviews national advertising in all media and its decisions set consistent standards for advertising truth and accuracy, delivering meaningful protection to consumers and leveling the playing field for business.  

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Name: Jennie Rosenberg
Email: jrosenberg@bbbnp.org
Job Title: Media Relations

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National Advertising Review Board Recommends Google Discontinue Claim that YouTube TV Service is “$600 Less Than Cable”

Posted on by Operations Team

New York, NY – October 11, 2023 – A panel of the National Advertising Review Board (NARB), the appellate advertising body of BBB National Programs, recommended that Google, LLC discontinue the claim that its YouTube TV service is “$600 less than cable.”

The advertising at issue had been challenged by Charter Communications, Inc. in a National Advertising Division’s (NAD) Fast-Track SWIFT challenge, an expedited process designed for single-issue advertising cases. The claim appeared in two of Google’s commercials for YouTube TV service. Following NAD’s decision (Case No. 7233), Google appealed NAD’s recommendation to discontinue the challenged advertising claim.

The challenged “$600 less than cable” claim, was accompanied by a disclosure identifying “comparable standalone cable” as the basis of comparison. The price calculation underlying the challenged claim included the cost of two set-top boxes per household for “standalone cable” services.

The NARB panel determined that the commercial disclosures were not clear and conspicuous.

Further, in agreement with NAD, the NARB panel concluded that at least one reasonable interpretation of the challenged claim is that YouTube TV is $600 less than any comparable service available from companies traditionally associated with cable services. However, this comparison does not align with the challenged claim because:

 

  •  Many households can subscribe to basic Spectrum service without renting cable boxes, therefore Google failed to justify the cost of two set-top boxes in its price comparison, and
     
  •  In certain markets, cable providers offer regional sports networks (RSNs) but YouTube does not, therefore Google did not have a valid reason for adding the cost of Spectrum’s Sports View option to the price comparison.

     

For these reasons, the NARB panel adopted NAD’s recommendation that Google discontinue the claim that its YouTube TV service is “$600 less than cable.”

Google stated that it “disagrees with NARB’s determination that people watching the challenged commercials will somehow understand ‘cable’ to mean something other than traditional cable television,” however it “intends to modify or cease the disputed advertising claim.” Google further stated that, at a later date it “may reconsider the claim based on updated information.”

All BBB National Programs case decision summaries can be found in the case decision library. For the full text of NAD, NARB, and CARU decisions, subscribe to the online archive.

 

About BBB National Programs: BBB National Programs, a non-profit organization, is the home of U.S. independent industry self-regulation, currently operating more than a dozen globally recognized programs that have been helping enhance consumer trust in business for more than 50 years. These programs provide third-party accountability and dispute resolution services that address existing and emerging industry issues, create a fairer playing field for businesses, and a better experience for consumers. BBB National Programs continues to evolve its work and grow its impact by providing business guidance and fostering best practices in arenas such as advertising, child-and-teen-directed marketing, data privacy, dispute resolution, automobile warranty, technology, and emerging areas. To learn more, visit bbbprograms.org.

About the National Advertising Review Board (NARB): The National Advertising Review Board (NARB) is the appellate body for BBB National Programs’ advertising self-regulatory programs. NARB’s panel members include 85 distinguished volunteer professionals from the national advertising industry, agencies, and public members, such as academics and former members of the public sector. NARB serves as a layer of independent industry peer review that helps engender trust and compliance in NAD, CARU, and DSSRC matters.

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Name: Jennie Rosenberg
jrosenberg@bbbnp.org
Job Title: Media Relations

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Privacy Watchdog Brings Etsy into Compliance with Digital Advertising Privacy Best Practices

Posted on by Operations Team

McLean, VA – October 10, 2023 – BBB National Programs’ data privacy watchdog, the Digital Advertising Accountability Program (DAAP), has brought Etsy Inc.’s website and mobile application into compliance with the Digital Advertising Alliance’s (DAA) Self-Regulatory Principles for online interest-based advertising.

Etsy is a New York-based e-commerce company known for its online marketplace of vintage and handmade goods, operating through etsy.com and mobile apps. DAAP also reviewed Etsy’s online platforms in 2015.

As part of its ongoing monitoring activity and to ensure ongoing compliance, DAAP revisits companies and their products previously reviewed.

While examining Etsy’s website as well as its mobile application, DAAP identified issues with transparency, enhanced notice, and consumer access to exercise control over data collection for interest-based advertising (IBA). In addition, in the Etsy mobile application, DAAP identified issues violating the first-party cross-app provisions of the DAA Principles Mobile Guidance.

In response to DAAP’s inquiry, Etsy conducted a comprehensive review of its compliance with the DAA Principles to identify areas in its compliance protocols that needed strengthening. After consulting with DAAP on its plan to come into compliance, Etsy committed to completing the following actions:

  • Changing the “interest-based ads” website footer link to redirect users to a specific section of the Cookie Policy titled “Interest-based Ads & Marketing Services.”
  • Significantly editing the IBA section to bring all elements of DAA enhanced notice together, including a description of Etsy’s third-party IBA practices, a link to, and description of, industry-developed IBA opt-out tools, and a statement of adherence to the DAA Principles. 
  • Adding language at the top of its privacy policy that reads “Learn more about interest-based advertising and your choices, here” with a hyperlink that takes users directly to the “Interest-based Ads & Marketing Services” section of the privacy policy to ensure users could easily access this information from the application store pages in the app store.

 

In its statement, Etsy stated “At Etsy, we care deeply about privacy and strive to be transparent about our practices with our community of buyers and sellers. We appreciate the opportunity to participate in the DAA’s Accountability Program and are pleased with the Program’s recognition that Etsy is compliant with its self-regulatory requirements.”

All BBB National Programs case decision summaries can be found in the case decision library. For the full text of DAAP decisions, visit the DAAP Decisions and Guidance webpage.

About BBB National Programs: BBB National Programs, a non-profit organization, is the home of U.S. independent industry self-regulation, currently operating more than a dozen globally recognized programs that have been helping enhance consumer trust in business for more than 50 years. These programs provide third-party accountability and dispute resolution services that address existing and emerging industry issues, create a fairer playing field for businesses and a better experience for consumers. BBB National Programs continues to evolve its work and grow its impact by providing business guidance and fostering best practices in arenas such as advertising, child-and-teen-directed marketing, data privacy, dispute resolution, automobile warranty, technology, and emerging areas. To learn more, visit bbbprograms.org.

About the Digital Advertising Accountability Program: The Digital Advertising Accountability Program (DAAP), a division of BBB National Programs, was developed by the Digital Advertising Alliance (DAA) to enforce industry self-regulation principles for data privacy in online and mobile advertising, holding companies accountable to the DAA’s Privacy Principles. DAAP provides guidance to companies looking to comply with industry principles and responds to complaints filed by consumers about online privacy.

Contact Information

Name: Jennie Rosenberg
jrosenberg@bbbnp.org
Job Title: Media Relations

Click Here to Visit Our Website