Medibank ad resembling news content breached code of ethics, says watchdog

A Medibank TV ad, in which a Medibank ‘reporter’ performed a news-style report, breached the AANA code of ethics according to Ad Standards.

A complaint about the ad claimed it was misleading due to the placement of the Seven logo, and therefore an attempt to “masquerade” as a Seven News report.

The ad featured in a Seven News commercial break, with the reporter holding a Medibank branded microphone. A Seven News ticker was displayed at the bottom of the screen, promoting upcoming news reports. The complaint said that these visual features were used to “trick viewers”. The ad was followed by an additional 30 second Medibank commercial.

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