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iCrowdNewswire Announces Next-Generation Products in AI Press Release Distribution at Hong Kong Press Release Industry and Partner Summit

Posted on by Operations Team

Miami, Florida – December 4, 2023. iCrowdNewswire, press release industry leading innovators, announced their next-generation plans for state-of-the-art AI powered press release distribution at the November 23rd Hong Kong Summit. The Summit host shared next level planned implementations around visibility and engagement to move press release capabilities from guaranteed distribution to guaranteed engagement, highlighting their industry exclusive demand generation features.

Hector Botero, CEO and Founder of iCrowdNewswire, enthusiastically stated, “The press release distribution market is ripe for breakthrough innovations, marking the latest frontier in leveraging the unparalleled power of AI. With our next-generation plans unveiled at the Hong Kong Summit, we are committed to transforming the industry by moving beyond guaranteed distribution to guaranteed engagement.”

Mr. Botero emphasized the significance of embracing new AI technologies, acknowledging the industry’s evolving landscape. He added, “We believe in challenging the status quo and maximizing visibility and engagement for our industry. The future of press release distribution is intelligent, data-driven, and highly targeted.”

According to iCrowdNewswire COO Sonia LaFountain, “Our state-of-the-art implementations uniquely merge corporate communications and digital marketing. The result of our methodology is unrivaled; precision demand generation tooling with guaranteed ROI enhanced reporting, accurate and actionable visibility and engagement for PR and Marketing professionals with guaranteed outcomes that meet their specific goals. We’re talking real data directly from engagement platforms that learn and adapt placement based on audience behavior.”

iCrowdNewswire shared the spotlight of the inaugural event with co-host Media Outreach (Asia) and an impressive lineup of press release distribution leaders including Medianet (Asia-Pacific), PA Media (UK) and Nexis Newswire (Global). Partners provided important insights on distribution features that resonate for customers in their regions as well as challenges to address the need for a modern experience. Amrita Sidhu, Managing Director of Medianet championed iCrowdNewswire’s efforts to adopt new AI technologies, commenting, “The six most dangerous words in business: We have always done it this way,” reminding the audience that we have an opportunity to maximize visibility and engagement for our industry.

iCrowdNewswire’s Q1 2024 launch of the new product lineup will feature tooling from Google, LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, YouTube and other high performance social platform’s leveraging AI demand generation capabilities to precision target audiences based on audience behaviors and predictive engagement. These capabilities pinpoint audiences with high propensity to view and engage with your release based on target audience specifications including demographics, geographics, industries and interests.

The full recap of the Hong Kong Press Release Industry and Partner Summit, can be viewed at the link: iCrowdNewswire – Hong Kong Press Release Industry Summit – AI Powered Press Release Distribution November 2023

About iCrowdNewswire

In 2018 iCrowdNewswire began working with Google to adapt the world’s leading advertising, translation, voice, and analytics technologies for press release distribution resulting in a process that offers press release issuers with an ultra-user-friendly interface to choose from millions of websites worldwide. Issuers can refine targeting by further choosing specific sections within websites, choose countries, states and zip or postal codes. Demographic targeting includes age groups, interests and industry, and recent research with media indicates that promoting releases prominently on media websites is by far the most efficient way to reach media. iCrowdNewswire’s technology also drives the LexisNexis press release service Nexis Newswire and ALM’s Legal Newswire powered by Law.com

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National Advertising Division Recommends Royal Oak Modify or Discontinue Certain Claims for its Super Size Briquets

Posted on by Operations Team

New York, NY – November 30, 2023 – In a challenge brought by Kingsford Products Company, the National Advertising Division (NAD) of BBB National Programs recommended that Royal Oak Enterprises, LLC:

  • Discontinue the claim that Royal Oak Super Size briquets are 50% bigger than Kingsford Original briquets.
  • Modify its advertising to avoid conveying a message that Royal Oak Super Size briquets provide the “best grilling experience” because they burn hotter and longer than competing briquets due to their larger size.
  • Discontinue the claim that “a bigger briquet is a better briquet” or modify its advertising to limit the claim to consumer meaningful benefits for which Royal Oak has substantiation.


50% Bigger Claim

For Royal Oak’s advertisements, in which the object of comparison of its 50% bigger claim is not stated, NAD found that consumers may reasonably understand the comparison to be against Kingsford since Kingsford Original briquets comprise a significant share of the charcoal briquet market. Therefore, NAD assessed whether the 50% bigger claim was accurate with respect to Kingsford Original briquets.

NAD determined that Royal Oak’s testing in support of its “50% bigger” claim did not provide representative, statistically significant, and reliable support and recommended that the claim be discontinued.

NAD noted that Royal Oak is free to promote the size of its Super Size briquets or that its Super Size briquets are larger than competitive brands such as Kingsford, but any comparative size claims must not overstate the relevance of the size difference.

“Best Grilling Experience”

NAD found that in the challenged advertising the “best grilling experience” is linked to measurable product attributes; namely, the ability of the Super Size briquets to light fast and provide high heat and a long burn time. As the claim is linked to measurable performance within a comparative context, NAD concluded that it is not puffery and Royal Oak must have support for the claim.

Given that variables other than size may affect the performance of each briquet, NAD determined that Royal Oak’s comparative performance claim cannot be supported by reference to the products’ differences in size alone. Rather, the claim should be supported by properly conducted testing demonstrating that the briquets burn hotter and longer than competing briquets.

As Royal Oak did not provide such support, NAD recommended they modify advertising to avoid conveying a message that Royal Oak Super Size briquets provide the “best grilling experience” because they burn hotter and longer than competing briquets due to their larger size.

“A Bigger Briquet is a Better Briquet”

NAD determined that consumers may reasonably understand a “bigger is better” claim to mean more than just that a bigger briquet size is valuable but that a bigger briquet size is comparatively better in some recognizable or measurable way with respect to overall grilling performance. In some advertising, Royal Oak specifically ties the “bigger is better” claim to burn time and speed of combustion and thus reasonably conveys the message that a bigger briquet size corresponds to superior performance with respect to longer burn time and faster lighting.

Royal Oak did not present sufficient evidence to show that a bigger briquet size provides an overall performance advantage over smaller briquets or superior burning or combustion. Therefore, NAD recommended that Royal Oak either discontinue the claim that a bigger briquet is a better briquet or modify its advertising to limit the claim to consumer meaningful benefits for which Royal Oak has substantiation.

During the proceeding Royal Oak permanently discontinued several other challenged claims. Therefore, NAD did not review these claims on the merits.

In its advertiser statement, Royal Oak stated that that it “will comply with the NAD’s recommendations for the claims addressed in this Final Decision.”

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

Click Here to Visit Our Website

National Advertising Division Finds Certain Xfinity Home Internet Claims Supported; Recommends Comcast Modify or Discontinue Others

Posted on by Operations Team

New York, NY – November 30, 2023 – In a challenge brought by Verizon Communications Inc., the National Advertising Division (NAD) of BBB National Programs determined that Comcast Cable Communications, LLC provided a reasonable basis for its Xfinity home internet claim stating “It’s time for better internet. Switch to Xfinity” in context tied to its superiority in speed, consistency, and reduced lag and latency. However, NAD recommended that Comcast modify or discontinue certain other claims about Verizon’s 5G Home Internet.

Comparative Network Claims

NAD determined that one message reasonably conveyed by Comcast’s “Stink Eye” and “Life with Verizon” commercials, a 60-second radio ad for Xfinity, and a 15-second commercial is that Verizon’s 5G Home is ineffective, slow, unreliable, and prone to subpar performance due to congestion, rendering the service unusable.

Based on data submitted by Comcast, NAD concluded that Comcast’s fixed wired internet network outperforms Verizon’s 5G wireless internet network with respect to speed, latency, and consistency of speed. While Comcast should be able to accurately communicate the relevant consumer benefits of its Xfinity internet service and other competitive advantages that it has over Verizon 5G Home, NAD determined that there is no evidence indicating that Verizon 5G users receive subpar internet speed or experience network reliability issues that impede their ability to use or access Verizon 5G.

Therefore, NAD found that Comcast did not support disparaging claims made about Verizon 5G Home and recommended the discontinuation or modification of the challenged express claims:

  • “I just got Verizon 5G Home Internet. It means I have to kick people off sometimes to help with the speed.”
  • “This is life with Verizon 5G Home Internet.”: “Lag Alert!” “Cell tower too far!” “Congested network!” “Trees blocking signal.”
  • “Problems pop up when you have Verizon 5G Home Internet.”
  • “Verizon 5G Home Internet sounded great… but turned out to be something else.”
  • “Verizon 5G Home Internet is for phones, not homes.”

 

NAD further recommended that Comcast modify its advertising to avoid conveying the challenged implied message that Verizon 5G Home is too slow, unreliable, and prone to such subpar performance as to render the service unusable due to congestion, trees, and other obstacles.

Superior Network Claim

Based on comparative performance data, NAD determined that Comcast provided a reasonable basis for its claim, “It’s time for better internet. Switch to Xfinity” if it is made in a context that ties its superiority to speed, consistency, and reduced lag and latency.

In its advertiser statement, Comcast stated that it “agrees to comply with NAD’s recommendations with respect to the subject advertising” although it “does not agree that the challenged advertising communicated a message that network congestion renders Verizon’s 5G Home Internet unreliable or unusable.”

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 Recommends Cariuma Disclose Material Connection Between Cariuma Sneakers and Publisher of Social Media Posts

Posted on by Operations Team

New York, NY – November 29, 2023 – Through its advertising monitoring program, BBB National Programs’ National Advertising Division (NAD) inquired about social media posts created by Cariuma Central Pte., Ltd. for its Cariuma sneakers, and recommended that Cariuma clearly and conspicuously disclose its material connection to the endorser and publisher of the posts.

Three social media posts featuring Cariuma sneakers appeared on the Instagram and Facebook accounts of Travel + Leisure (T+L), US Weekly, and The Quality Edit (TQE) and were labeled “Sponsored” below the name of the publisher. The posts included images of Cariuma sneakers and invited consumers to “shop here” or “learn more” about the sneakers.

NAD’s inquiry focused on whether the format of the challenged social media posts blurred the line between editorial content and advertising in a way that can confuse consumers. NAD assessed whether this content, which includes affiliate links but appears to be editorial, is advertising and considered whether the content was created independent of the “economic or commercial motivation” introduced by affiliate marketing revenue.

NAD determined that the three sponsored posts for Cariuma sneakers are advertising and noted that:

  • Cariuma retains full editorial control over the creative content with TQE and must approve any content before publication; and
  • Cariuma selected and paid for each amplified social media post with T+L, US Weekly, and TQE. As such, the posts are paid endorsements for Cariuma sneakers.
     

NAD concluded that even though the posts were labeled “Sponsored,” it is not clear whether the posts were sponsored by the publisher or by Cariuma. As a result, consumers were not aware that the posts are paid endorsements by Cariuma.

NAD recommended Cariuma clearly and conspicuously disclose its material connection to the endorser and publisher of the social media posts.

In its advertiser statement, Cariuma stated that it “will comply with the NAD’s recommendation” and further stated that it “respectfully disagrees with the NAD’s decision but is committed to accurate and truthful advertising.”

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.  


For Immediate Release

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

Contact Information

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

Click Here to Visit Our Website

National Advertising Review Board Recommends Mint Mobile Discontinue or Modify Claim that its Unlimited Plan is “Now Just $15/Mo.”  

Posted on by Operations Team

New York, NY – November 28, 2023 – A panel of the National Advertising Review Board (NARB), the appellate advertising body of BBB National Programs, recommended that Mint Mobile, LLC discontinue or modify the claim that its Unlimited plan is “now just $15/mo.”

The advertising at issue had been challenged by AT&T Services, Inc. before the National Advertising Division (NAD) as part of NAD’s Fast Track SWIFT expedited challenge process, designed for single-issue advertising cases. Following NAD’s decision (Case No. 7250), Mint Mobile appealed NAD’s recommendations.

Mint Mobile offers prepaid phone plans, which, unlike those offered by AT&T and other major wireless carriers, require customers to pay upfront 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. 

At issue in the Fast-Track SWIFT challenge and appeal is whether the nature of Mint Mobile’s promotional offer was adequately disclosed.

In banner ads, on social media, and in a television commercial, Mint Mobile advertised that the price of its Unlimited plan is “now just $15/mo.” The NARB panel determined that the claim in the various advertisements conveyed that the $15/mo. price is a permanent price for Mint Mobile’s unlimited phone plans that were previously $30 to $35/mo., depending on the duration of the plan.

Further, in agreement with NAD, the NARB panel found that the current disclosure appearing in the advertisements does not meet the well understood standard requiring clear and conspicuous disclosure of material limitations for an advertised price offer. Accordingly, the disclosure was inadequate to modify the misleading claim that Mint Mobile has reduced the price of its unlimited plan to $15/month going forward.

The NARB panel recommended that Mint Mobile discontinue the claim that its Unlimited plan is “now just $15/mo.” or clearly and conspicuously disclose that the offer is a promotional or introductory offer for the first three months of service as part of the main claim or in similar size text and font in close proximity to the main claim.

Mint Mobile stated that while the challenged advertising was discontinued last month, Mint Mobile is committed to the self-regulatory process and will comply with NARB’s decision should it use the challenged claim again.

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.

Contact Information

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

Click Here to Visit Our Website

National Advertising Review Board Recommends Modifications to Coca-Cola’s “50% More Electrolytes” Claims  

Posted on by Operations Team

New York, NY – Nov. 27, 2023 – A panel of the National Advertising Review Board (NARB), the appellate advertising body of BBB National Programs, recommended that The Coca-Cola Company:

  • Modify the claim “50% more electrolytes vs. the leading sports drink” to state “50% more electrolytes vs. Gatorade Thirst Quencher”; and
  • Modify its video advertising to avoid conveying the implied message that the 50% increase in electrolytes in Powerade provides increased performance benefits and/or superior athletic performance relative to the Gatorade Thirst Quencher product.

 

In the underlying decision, NAD concluded that Coca-Cola’s “50% more electrolytes” claims overstated the significance of the nutrient difference and reasonably conveyed the implied messages that Powerade provides better performance and hydration than Gatorade. The NARB panel reached a different conclusion in regard to the packaging and social media claims.

The advertising at issue had been challenged by Stokely-Van Camp, manufacturer of Gatorade. Following NAD’s decision (Case No. 7198), Coca-Cola appealed NAD’s decision in its entirety. Until recently, both Powerade and Gatorade Thirst Quencher had the same electrolyte content. Earlier this year, Coca-Cola introduced a reformulated product that both parties agree contains 50% more electrolytes (sodium and potassium) than Gatorade Thirst Quencher.

Label Claim

The NARB panel concluded that in the context of the “50% more electrolytes vs. the leading sports drink” claim made on the Powerade label, the claim of 50% more electrolytes than a referenced product does not on its own imply superior performance benefits as compared to the referenced drink. The claim merely provides truthful information regarding the comparative amount of electrolytes in each sports drink.

However, because it was unclear which specific Gatorade product is referenced, the NARB panel recommended that Coca-Cola change its label to “50% more electrolytes vs. Gatorade Thirst Quencher” to clarify its valid comparative quantitative electrolyte claim.

Social Media Claims

The NARB panel found that the challenged social media posts simply provide consumers with quantitative information regarding the increase in electrolytes in Powerade and the quantity of electrolytes in Powerade vs. Gatorade Thirst Quencher. Further, the NARB panel did not find that the strong-arm emoji in the context of the comparative post communicates a superiority claim, but merely draws attention to the fact that Powerade increased its electrolytes, which are the core beneficial ingredients in any sports drink.

Video Commercial Claims

The NARB panel found that the challenged commercials link young athletes drinking Powerade with 50% more electrolytes before and during their lengthy workouts to achieving success as college athletes. Accordingly, the NARB panel determined that the commercials communicate to at least a significant minority of reasonable consumers that the 50% increase in electrolytes in Powerade provides increased performance benefits and/or superior athletic performance relative to the Gatorade Thirst Quencher product.

Because this message was not supported by the evidence in the record, the NARB panel recommended that Coca-Cola modify its video advertising to avoid conveying such a message.

Coca-Cola stated that it “applauds NARB’s determination that its ‘50% more electrolytes’ claim ‘provides truthful information’ to consumers, and will comply with NARB’s recommendation to indicate that Powerade has 50% more electrolytes than ‘Gatorade Thirst Quencher,’ rather than just ‘the leading sports drink,’ when making the claim. The challenged video advertisement is no longer being disseminated, but Coca-Cola will take NARB’s guidance into account when crafting new commercials for Powerade.”

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.

Contact Information

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

Click Here to Visit Our Website

National Advertising Review Board Recommends Dr. Squatch Discontinue Jukebox “Detergent” Claims; Finds Jukebox Soap “Natural” Claims Supported

Posted on by Operations Team

New York, NY – November 22, 2023 – A panel of the National Advertising Review Board (NARB), the appellate advertising body of BBB National Programs, recommended that Dr. Squatch, LLC discontinue referring to products that may compete with its Jukebox Soap products as consisting of, containing, or being detergents. However, the NARB panel determined that Dr. Squatch provided a reasonable basis for its “natural” claims for Jukebox Soap.

Dr. Squatch’s Jukebox brand distinguishes itself from competing bars and cleansers as “real” soap made with natural ingredients. The advertising at issue had been challenged by Unilever U.S., Inc., manufacturer of Dove brand cleansers and body washes. Following a decision by the National Advertising Division (NAD) (Case No. 7195), Dr. Squatch appealed and Unilever cross-appealed.

Detergent Claims

In agreement with NAD, the NARB panel concluded that referring to competitive products as being or containing detergents communicates the unsupported message that competitive products are harsh to the skin. The NARB panel further agreed with NAD that consumers are not likely aware of the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) technical definitions, and accordingly, it is misleading for Dr. Squatch to refer to the FDA’s definition in referencing competing products as “synthetic detergents.”

Natural Claims

In agreement with NAD, the NARB panel concluded that Dr. Squatch provided a reasonable basis for its “natural” claims. In so finding, the NARB panel noted that:

  • An analysis of consumer expectation is the proper standard for what is or is not natural.
  • Saponification would be regarded by reasonable consumers as minimal processing, and therefore consistent with identifying the product as natural.
  • Jukebox products are made almost entirely from natural or naturally derived ingredients.


Claims about Jukebox’s Leadership

In the underlying decision, NAD recommended that the statement “Who run the world? Girls” in conjunction with the statement “From our world-class natural perfumers and in-house artisan soap makers to our bubbly leadership, we’re a band of music & soap-lovin’ ladies” be modified to avoid conveying the message that Jukebox is a women-run brand. The NARB panel determined that NAD reached the correct conclusion on this issue.

During the appeal, Dr. Squatch presented the NARB panel with modified advertising in which the heading “Who run the world? Girls?” has been replaced with “Meet the Band.” The NARB panel concluded that the revised advertising communicates a different message than the claim language that had been challenged and is properly supported because it refers to the hands-on, directly responsible personnel who, based on the evidence, are primarily women.

Dr. Squatch stated that it “appreciates NARB’s careful review of the record in this appeal and will comply with the recommendations made by NAD and NARB in its future advertising.”

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.

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

Click Here to Visit Our Website

BEEAH enters strategic partnership with KSA’s SIRC and ALMQR, establishing a sustainable waste management company to advance circularity in Madinah

Posted on by Operations Team

BEEAH, the Middle East’s leading sustainability and digitalisation pioneer, the Saudi Investment Recycling Company (SIRC), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF); and Al-Maqar Development Company (ALMQR), the investment arm of the Municipality of Madinah, have signed an agreement to establish a limited liability company that will develop and provide integrated waste management solutions in the Province, from collection of waste at the source through to treatment, recycling and disposal in the general landfill.

The signing ceremony, which took place earlier this week in the city of Yanbu, was witnessed by His Royal Highness Prince Faisal bin Salman bin AbdulAziz Al-Saud, Governor of Madinah Province, in the presence of His Excellency Eng. Abdulrahman bin Abdulmohsen Al-Fadley, Minister of Environment, Water and Agriculture, and His Excellency Eng. Fahad bin Mohammed Albelaihshi, Secretary of Madinah Province. The agreement was signed by Khaled Al Huraimel, Group CEO of BEEAH, Eng. Ziyad AlShiha, Group CEO of SIRC, and Majed Alshalhoob, CEO of ALMQR.

Speaking on the partnership, Khaled Al Huraimel, Group CEO of BEEAH, said: “We are pleased to partner with SIRC and ALMQR, two institutions leading the way in the areas of circularity and urban development. BEEAH looks forward to drawing from our experience in waste management in the Holy City of Madinah and in the UAE, where we have achieved several regional firsts. By combining our strengths with SIRC and ALMQR, we look forward to achieving new benchmarks in sustainable waste management, supporting the development of thriving communities, shaping the circular economy and progressing towards a zero-waste to landfill future in the Province of Madinah.”

As per the agreement, BEEAH, SIRC and ALMQR will work together to drive innovation and efficiencies across the waste management value chain, from waste collection to waste treatment and enhanced material recovery. Ultimately, the partnership aims to foster the circular economy while shaping a cleaner and greener province in alignment with KSA Vision 2030 and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

Speaking about the partnership, Eng. Ziyad AlShiha, Group CEO of SIRC, said: “Creating local and global partnerships are key to innovation and investing in circular economy solutions. The Holy City of Madinah is an important area for the Kingdom and for SIRC, as we work to drive the circular economy. Through this partnership with ALMQR and BEEAH, we look forward to implementing advanced solutions and leveraging recycling best practices to uncover value across the waste management chain in Madinah.”

In 2020, BEEAH partnered with the Municipality of Madinah to oversee waste management in the North, West and East regions of the Holy City. BEEAH has already implemented a range of solutions encompassing waste collection, transportation, sterilisation, and disinfection of waste containers. These operations are facilitated by a substantial workforce of thousands of skilled professionals and best-in-class equipment, including waste collection trucks and street sweepers.

After it was founded in 2007, BEEAH began its waste management operations in the emirate of Sharjah, where it has steadily grown an integrated, digitally-enabled waste management ecosystem that has positioned the organisation as an industry leader in the region. From waste collection operations powered by a digital fleet optimisation platform and a network of RFID-tagged bins to integrated, digitally-tracked material recovery across 10 specialised facilities and waste-to-energy innovation, BEEAH has achieved a 90% landfill waste diversion rate in the emirate of Sharjah, the highest in the region. By expanding regionally through partnerships and collaboration, BEEAH is scaling its waste management solutions and innovations to contribute to circularity and a sustainable future in the UAE, KSA and across the Middle East.

Contact Information

Name: Mohamed Salim Allawi
Email: mallawy@beeahgroup.com
Job Title: Media Relations Specialist

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National Advertising Division Inquiry Leads to Removal of Glow Fairy Advertisement on Beauty Website

Posted on by Operations Team

New York, NY – November 21, 2023 – Through its advertising monitoring program, BBB National Programs’ National Advertising Division (NAD) inquired about Glow Fairy advertising on the Beauty and Style Daily website, which included the claim “2023’s ‘5 Best’ Eye Creams on the Market.”

NAD’s inquiry focused on whether the format of the challenged advertising reasonably communicated that the Glow Fairy product recommendations on Beauty and Style Daily were independent editorial endorsements or advertisements.

Toward the end of the inquiry, the hyperlink connecting the Beauty and Style website and the Glow Fairy website was removed and the site became non-functional.

During its inquiry, NAD found that there was no disclosure that the Beauty and Style Daily site was advertising Glow Fairy products. Yet the top recommended product on its website was a Glow Fairy product and the links to purchase other products led consumers to the Glow Fairy website. Further, the “About us” hyperlink at the bottom of the Beauty and Style webpage directed consumers to the Glow Fairy website.

NAD noted that consumers should understand when digital publishers have a relationship with a brand they are promoting and when the content they are viewing is advertising. This enables consumers to better distinguish between editorial and advertising content.

NAD cautioned Glow Fairy to disclose when it is advertising and avoid displaying advertising content as independent editorial endorsements.

In its advertiser statement, Glow Fairy stated that it “will comply with NAD’s recommendation” and indicated that it “has stepped up efforts to monitor claims made by third-parties in hopes of furthering efforts to prevent misleading claims and maintaining brand integrity.”

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

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LexisNexis Wins Two AMEC Awards for Global Communication Excellence

Posted on by Operations Team

The International Awards Program Recognizes Best Practices in Research, Measurement, Insight, and Analysis

November 20, 2023 — NEW YORK CITY, NY — LexisNexis Legal & Professional, a leading provider of content and technology solutions, has been awarded two bronze awards by the International Association of Measurement and Evaluation of Communication (AMEC). Now in its 21st year, the global awards program recognizes and celebrates the importance of research, measurement, insights, and analytics.

“Being recognized in these categories reflects not only the achievements and results of our clients, but the trust they put in our team to deliver against their communication goals,” said Jean-Christophe Lahary, Head of Project and Solution Management team at LexisNexis. “It’s rewarding to have our contributions recognized by AMEC.”

These efforts were led by the company’s Nexis® Media Intelligence and Research & Analytics service. The service combines media metrics and human analysis to understand how traditional and social media performance contributes to an organization’s goals and objectives.

LexisNexis was awarded in each category it was a finalist for, including:

  • Best Use of a Measurement Framework (LexisNexis & TUI– Building and measuring trust in TUI with regionalised PR)
  • Best Use of New Technology in Communications Measurement (LexisNexis & Porter Novelli, Almond Board of California– Coverage metrics made modern and precise at Almond Board of California)

For more information about the awards, visit https://amecorg.com/awards/winners-2023/

About LexisNexis Legal & Professional

LexisNexis® Legal & Professional provides legal, regulatory, and business information and analytics that help customers increase their productivity, improve decision-making, achieve better outcomes, and advance the rule of law around the world. As a digital pioneer, the company was the first to bring legal and business information online with its Lexis®and Nexis®services. LexisNexis Legal & Professional, which serves customers in more than 150 countries with 11,300 employees worldwide, is part of RELX, a global provider of information-based analytics and decision tools for professional and business customers.

About the AMEC

AMEC is the world’s largest media intelligence and insights professional body, representing organisations and practitioners who provide media evaluation and communication research. AMEC has grown from seven members to nearly 200 in its 25th anniversary year, representing organisations based in 86+ countries, and more than 1,000 professionals dedicated to measurement and evaluation best practices across the globe. AMEC thinks and operates internationally, forming working groups from different countries to work together on new initiatives, all reinforced by its vibrant chapters in Asia Pacific, Europe, Latin America and North America.

For more information about Nexis® Media Intelligence Solutions visit

www.lexisnexis.com/mediaintelligence

Media Contact:
Leela Bozonelis
leela.bozonelis@lexisnexis.com
+1 929 383 8781

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