The trade association for Scotland’s news publishers, the Scottish Newspaper Society, has been renamed Newsbrands Scotland, dropping “newspaper” from its title for the first time in a history stretching back 108 years.
While printed newspapers remain an important part of news publishers’ operations, the name change reflects modern newsrooms which reach far bigger audiences through digital platforms, with news operations working round the clock to deliver news to readers in the format they want, when they want it.
Newsbrands Scotland’s inaugural president, National World plc’s chief commercial officer Mark Hollinshead, said: “Our newsbrands reach more people than they ever did in the print-only days and the new name of our trade association reflects the multi-platform reality of the modern newsroom.”
Industry research [TGI, December 2022] shows that nine out of ten adults in Scotland engage with print or digital newsbrands at least once a week and are seven per cent more likely to rely on newspapers to stay informed than UK adults. And according to the latest JICREG analysis, 96 per cent of Scots read a local brand once a month.
Mark added: “Ever since the advent of the internet, Scottish news publishers have been evolving and innovating to keep their audiences well-served with up-to-the-minute, trusted information and analysis, and the audience figures speak for themselves.
“Scottish newsbrands keep communities across the country well-informed and connected, have a vital role to play in holding national and local politicians to account for the decisions they make, and are an essential means for services, businesses and charities to communicate with their users and customers.”
Further research from the news industry marketing body Newsworks reveals people are 2.4 times more likely to find news brands reliable than social media, and three-quarters believe it is important their news comes from a respected and recognised news provider.
Newsbrands Scotland director John McLellan said “Our titles continue to provide a depth and breadth of coverage that few, if any, networks can match, and the fact that all our members are independently regulated is also vital for maintaining public trust.
“Readers want to know they are being provided with professionally produced news, and our commercial partners benefit because readers recognise they are in a trusted environment.
“News publishers also continue to support and train the journalists of the future, and it’s important for our name to reflect an industry that is always looking forward.”
The rebranding project was a collaborative effort across member companies, with the branding design produced by DC Thomson and the marketing campaign devised by National World, with input from News UK and Newsquest Scotland.
“This was a very good example of publishers working together for the benefit of the whole sector in Scotland, whether society members or not,” added John McLellan.
Crack down on fake celebrity endorsements and illegal weapons adverts as new Government rules safeguard consumers and protect children
Ministers will convene a new taskforce to drive industry-led action
Proposed rules will strike a balance between internet safety and supporting innovation
Social media platforms, websites and services like advertising display networks will have to take tougher action to stop children seeing age-restricted adverts for products like alcohol or gambling.
Fake celebrity scams and pop-up malware from hackers will also be clamped down on as part of new rules to make advertising regulation fit for the digital age.
The plans are published today by the government in response to its Online Advertising Programme.
Online advertising includes the banners or displays which appear around the content of a website, results prioritised at the top of search engines, and pop-ups on a user’s screen. It helps businesses grow by reaching targeted audiences and can be cheaper and quicker than traditional advertising formats. Last year it accounted for three quarters (£26.1 billion) of the £34.8 billion spent on advertising in the UK.
Its rapid development, combined with changes in technology and complex supply chains between marketers and platforms, make it difficult to stop illegal ads appearing.
People frequently encounter fraudulent celebrity endorsements for financial scams, legitimate-looking pop-ups containing hidden malware, and promotions for products prohibited under UK law – such as weapons, drugs, counterfeit fashion and fake ticketing.
Children can be exposed to ads for age-restricted products such as alcohol, gambling and adult-rated films and games.
Creative Industries Minister Sir John Whittingdale said: “Advertising is a huge industry in which Britain is a world leader. However, as online advertising has taken a steadily bigger share, the rules governing it have not kept pace and so we intend to strengthen them to ensure consumers are properly protected.
“Our plans will shut down the scammers using online adverts to con people out of their cash and will stop damaging and inappropriate products being targeted at children.
“We will make sure that our proposed regulation helps keep people safe while supporting and enhancing the legitimate advertising industry so it can maximise its innovation and potential.”
There is currently a self-regulatory system for the content and placement of online adverts in the UK, overseen by the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA). The ASA has a strong record of delivering consistent, effective results and holding legitimate advertisers accountable. However regulators are not empowered to act to address illegal harms in the same way as harmful advertising by legitimate businesses.
The government intends to introduce new rules to tackle illegal paid-for online adverts and increase protections for children. A range of targeted legislative and non-legislative measures will address the most serious risks linked to online advertising. This approach complements the Online Safety Bill, which is targeted at user generated content, and will build on measures tackling fraudulent advertising in that legislation.
The new statutory regulation will put more responsibilities on major players across the online advertising supply chain. As well as online publishers, apps and websites serving ads, ‘adtech’ intermediary services which facilitate the placement and distribution of online adverts will be in scope. Promotional posts by social media influencers where they receive payment or free products will also be covered.
Social media firms, search engines and other websites will be required by law to have proportionate systems and processes to stop people being served illegal adverts, and prevent under-18s seeing adverts for products and services illegal to be sold to them. This will improve safety, transparency and consumer trust by introducing more effective action while supporting industry growth.
In due course, the government will launch a further consultation on the details of potential legislation – including its preferred choice for a regulator to oversee the new illegal paid-for advertising rules. New legislation would not affect the ASA’s remit for the content and placement of legitimate paid-for advertising online.
Ministers will this week convene a new taskforce to gather more evidence around illegal advertising and build on industry initiatives to tackle harms and increase protections for children before the legislation is introduced.
The taskforce will be chaired by Creative Industries Minister John Whittingdale and Mark Lund, the chair of the Advertising Standards Board of Finance and former president of McCann UK and Europe.
The group will include representatives from across the advertising industry, including the ASA, as well as tech trade bodies, consumer groups and the government’s Anti-Fraud Champion, Anthony Browne.
Mark Lund, chair of The Advertising Standards Board of Finance and deputy chair of the Online Advertising Taskforce, said: “UK advertising is a dynamic engine for the UK economy because it’s creative and trusted.
“So, I’m delighted to be helping lead in the task force’s role in strengthening industry’s response to illegal harms advertising and the protection of children online, building on the long-term success of the ASA and the self-regulation system in keeping both trust and creativity at world leading levels.”
Anti-Fraud Champion Anthony Browne said: “We remain absolutely committed to fighting fraud and this is another example of the government delivering on a pledge from its pioneering Fraud Strategy.
“Eighty percent of fraud is cyber enabled and it often starts with fraudulent posts and adverts on social media. I am therefore pleased to see new measures being introduced to tackle these.
“The government will continue to work with industry, and law enforcement, to prevent fraud from happening and ensure better support is given to the public.”
It needs repeating, people should really object to the ‘decoration’ of roundabouts with prominent signs in the middle of them advertising the boards as private selling space.
Roundabouts are for the direction of traffic, for everybody’s safety, not to divert the drivers’ attention away!
An estimated four million UK homes are currently living in fuel poverty. With the full financial fallout of COVID-19 not yet known, this figure is undoubtably set to rise as households face soaring energy use and severe job losses.
It is this worrying outlook that has prompted People’s Energy, the UK’s first Community Interest Company (CIC) energy supplier, to launch its ‘end fuel poverty’ campaign starting with its first ever national TV advert, fronted by ex-rugby player Gareth Thomas.
Eradicating fuel poverty is the powerful message at the forefront of the advert with Thomas urging audiences through the call to action: “let’s make it happen”.
It sees the inspirational former Wales and British Lions captain deliver a rousing speech to camera while walking through a field of lamps, representing households joining the movement.
The ad is part of People’s Energy’s ongoing commitment to ensure affordable energy is accessible to all. It follows the brand’s first council partnership last month which offers a discounted variable and fixed tariff to East Lothian residents.
As the UK’s first energy supplier registered as a Community Interest Company, People’s Energy is committed to helping individuals, families and households on low incomes, especially those on pre-payment meters, access fairly priced energy. It has pledged to prioritise the welfare of its communities above profits, including a commitment to return 75% of its profits to its customers in the coming years.
Karin Sode, co-founder of People’s Energy said: “The fallout from COVID-19 sees us all in unchartered territory.
“For those four million households already living in fuel poverty, the worry of a winter in lockdown is very real, with the need for greater energy use and the threat of looming job cuts and redundancies when the furlough scheme ends next month. Fuel is a basic human right and people should not have to choose between feeding their family or keeping the heating on.
“Working with Gareth on this campaign has been wonderful and his passion and enthusiasm to help our mission has been inspiring. With his help, we hope to show that by choosing People’s Energy, members are joining an energy supplier that puts people before profits. An energy supplier that is committed to fighting to end fuel poverty.”
Talking about his involvement in the campaign, Gareth Thomas said: “When I was first approached by People’s Energy, I admit I didn’t fully understand the magnitude of the fuel poverty problem in the UK.
“Now that I know more, I can honestly say I’m horrified by the scale of the issue. More than 12% of all UK homes are in fuel poverty. That’s a shocking statistic and one we must all work together to reduce. Whether that’s by raising awareness or donating to a fuel poverty charity, we can make it happen.
“I was honoured to be part of the new campaign and admire the work People’s Energy are doing to help end fuel poverty.”
Watch the new 30” People’s Energy Field of Lamps advert here:
HANOVER (Scotland) Housing Association has taken a look into the future to make sure it’s ready to welcome the next wave of residents coming their way – by rebranding it’s services.
Hanover, which is based in McDonald Road, launched it’s dynamic new branding this week with on-street billboards at hospitals in Glasgow and Edinburgh. The housing association’s awareness campaign aims to ensure that customers have a selection of housing choices at their fingertips.
A spokesperson said: “The new branding spans all mediums: print, online and for the first time street billboards, to make Hanover easier to recognise and access by whatever route. This includes a strong online presence for the increasing number of ‘tech savvy’ over-55s.
“The new approach to Hanover’s brand identity and website comes as a response to the increasing number of people in Scotland’s ageing population who will be seeking accommodation now and in the future.
“Consideration has been given to ‘simple solutions’ in terms of the needs of helping older people to find a home in which they will feel safe and secure, whilst maintaining their independence.
“Navigation through the new website utilises case studies of ‘real’ Hanover residents with on location photography across a number of regions in Scotland, highlighting the spirit of independence a resident can enjoy with the backdrop of a closer and safer housing community.”
Research was conducted by BOLD design agency, part of Community Enterprise Scotland, who undertook workshops with residents, staff and stakeholders to help ‘redefine the future brand and make it even more identifiable as a warm and welcoming housing association that really understand the needs of the growing numbers of elderly people’.
The result of the ‘redefinition’ is a fresh overall look and feel – a more colourful and eye-catching ‘street’ logo with the strap-line ‘independent together’, along with branding to make it more readily recognisable as a caring and professional housing association.
Commenting on the rebranding, Helen Murdoch CEO, Hanover (Scotland) Housing Association, noted: “We have a great reputation here at Hanover and keeping ahead of the ageing population curve is vitally important to ensure we have the right balance of services.
“I have asked residents how they have come to know about Hanover and they have often replied ‘word of mouth’.
“They have also added that: ‘Hanover is great but not enough people know about the good work that you do’. So, rebranding will go a long way to rectify this and increase awareness amongst potential new residents.”
Ms Murdoch added: “Rebranding is not a decision to be taken lightly, it is one that has to have tangible cost benefits and will help us attract more residents and fill our properties.
“It will also help our vital activities such as telecare and repairs reporting, which we offer other organisations, to be more clearly promoted.
“This in turn supports our core business of providing quality housing and services for older people. Finally, we want residents and potential new customers to know we are caring and professional and that the new logo and branding will help us achieve this more.
“We also recognise that outstanding customer service is paramount both for today and tomorrow and we aim to ensure that it is underpinned by first-class support services to meet the needs of our housing customers.
“We take great pride at Hanover in being upfront with our potential customers what they can expect from us and now and in the future. Our new branding and website will go a long way to address this along with our drive to create safe and secure housing and healthy, connected communities.”
John Ayscough, creative director at BOLD design agency, said: “It is vitally important that potential customers can recognise Hanover signposted by a recognisable and eye-catching logo.
“So, by distilling the responses from our research to address the instant recognition factor – we created the row of colourful houses, strapline, ‘independent together’, and brought the site to life with the “Meet the Resident” case studies to really bring the human element into play.
Mr Ayscough added: “Many older people are proficient at using technology and can surf the net with ease. We recognised that the current website was difficult to navigate and it required a more modern approach to match changing demand.
“With greater numbers of people living longer and on their own – the way people want to live has changed considerably – with more people wishing to live alone but in closer connected communities.
“The website now has a clear selection of options that align with the type of care people require at any one stage without losing their independence.
“From being ‘independent together’ in their own home – be it rented or owned with greater opportunity for community living and joint activities; living in sheltered, very sheltered, to special amenity housing and on-site care and telecare services – placing greater consideration on the future needs and requirements of our older people.”
Ads for alcohol and fatty foods should be adult viewing only
Alcohol and junk food advertising should be prohibited before the 9pm watershed in order to protect children, Public Health Minister Maureen Watt said yesterday.
Ms Watt has written to UK Government ministers arguing that the move would protect children from exposure to powerful marketing messages and branding. Control over broadcast advertising is currently reserved to Westminster.
Adverts for alcohol and high fat, salt and sugar foods are not permitted during children’s programming. But they are allowed during early evening shows that are watched by large numbers of young people.
Stronger restrictions are supported by the British Heart Foundation (BHF), the British Medical Association (BMA) and Alcohol Focus Scotland.
The latest piece of research commissioned by the British Heart Foundation shows that many parents believe that broadcast advertising for high fat, salt and sugar foods remains a significant barrier which makes it more difficult for their children to adopt a healthy diet. According to their research that figure is highest in Scotland at 43 per cent. Extra restrictions on advertising for these types of food are also supported by Which?.
Maureen Watt, Minister for Public Health, said: “In recent years the rate of obesity has been relatively stable, but still unaccepbtably high, and there have been some reductions in alcohol-related harm. But we still, in general, have diets that are far too high in fat, sugar and salt, and levels of alcohol-related harm which are significantly higher than they were just a few decades ago.
“If we are to tackle the significant public health problems we face, we need bold solutions. We need a culture change in the way we think about alcohol and food high in fat, salt and sugar. There is a wealth of research which shows that children seeing these adverts while they are watching their favourite family programmes respond positively towards them and they affect their behaviour. That’s something that needs to be addressed.”
Dr Peter Bennie, Chairman of the BMA Scotland, said: “The regulation of alcohol and junk food advertising in this country is far too weak, largely because these industries have been allowed to regulate themselves. Despite the serious health harms associated with excessive alcohol consumption and obesity in the UK, these industries use marketing to promote consumption of their products.
“The cost of alcohol to our society is significant and inevitably, the NHS picks up the pieces. Obesity rates too are worryingly high, driven by the promotion and availability of unhealthy foods. Obesity brings with it increased risk of a wide range of serious life threatening and chronic diseases. While doctors have a role to play in supporting overweight patients, there is a limit to what they can do.
“The UK Government could take decisive action to change the culture of excess that the junk food and alcohol industry promotes, and tougher regulation of advertising would be a positive first step.”
Barbara O’Donnell, Deputy Chief Executive at Alcohol Focus Scotland, said: “Existing advertising codes fail to prevent under 18s from being exposed to alcohol advertising. Although current rules prohibit alcohol advertising around children’s programmes, alcohol adverts are allowed during early evening family viewing when the largest number of children watch television. As a result, 10 to 15 year olds in the UK see more alcohol adverts on television, per hour of television watched, than adults. Indeed, a survey just published by Alcohol Focus Scotland found that 10 and 11 year olds were more familiar with alcohol brands than leading brands of biscuits, crisps and ice cream.
“The bottom line is that we are failing to protect children and young people from alcohol harm. More effective controls are urgently needed to ensure alcohol marketing messages only reach adult audiences.”
Simon Gillespie, Chief Executive at the BHF, said: “Regulations for TV and online advertising in the UK are too weak, allowing companies to exploit loopholes in the system at the expense of our children’s health. Every day millions of children are being bombarded with sophisticated marketing techniques encouraging unhealthy eating habits.
“Evidence shows that junk food adverts can influence children’s food preferences and consumption hampering parents’ efforts to get their children to eat healthily. In the UK over 30 per cent of children are overweight or obese and dietary surveys show that children are eating too much salt, sugar and saturated fat.
“The Government must act now to ban junk food marketing before the 9pm watershed to help give children a stronger chance of preventing future heart disease.”
WARNERS Solicitors and Estate Agents, Edinburgh’s leading property solicitor estate agent, has become the official sponsor of STV Edinburgh’s flagship magazine show.
STV Edinburgh’s ‘The Fountainbridge Show’ which launches tonight, will air every evening between 7-8.30pm with a line-up of local presenters showcasing local music, culture and affairs.
Warners Solicitors & Estate Agents will feature in a brief ‘hottest property’ themed sponsorship bumper, sandwiching each segment before, after and during the show.
Jason Scott, a partner at Warners, is thrilled with the deal that will see the firm cement its high profile in the Edinburgh, Lothians and Fife. He said: “The Fountainbridge Show is the flagship show on STV Edinburgh so for us it was a real opportunity to get on board from day one.
“The programme is designed to showcase everything that is good in Edinburgh and the surrounding area in terms of news, sports, entertainment and culture. Warner’s see it as an opportunity that we can connect to and support.
“We also hope we can benefit from the association of STV with our brand, associating Warners even closer with the people of Edinburgh, Lothians and Fife.
“We want people to recognise Warners as the leading property solicitors brand in the area.”
As part of the sponsorship package, the Warner’s sponsorship bumpers will feature 18 times in each show, which is repeated later in the evening and the following afternoon.
STV’s head of sponsorship Debbie Robinson, said: “The launch of STV’s second city TV channel is a fantastic opportunity for advertisers to reach their targeted audience right in the city of Edinburgh. We are thrilled that Warners has come on board for the launch of The Fountainbridge Show and we look forward to working with them as the channel develops.”
STV Edinburgh comes to your screens tonight at 7pm, hosted by Ewen Cameron and Hayley Matthews (pictured above).
Ewen has interviewed everyone from Tiger Woods to Bill Clinton from his time working in Dubai’s biggest radio station, before moving to Scotland to launch Real Radio, and then taking up his most recent post as presenter of Heart Breakfast show.
Hayley joins STV Edinburgh from Kingdom FM, Real Radio and Talk 107 before joining STV’s The Nightshift.
The channel will reflect what’s happening in the city each day with a combination of local news, community features and live entertainment, as well as classic drama .
Tune in on Freeview channel 23, Sky Channel 117, Virgin Channel 159 or watch live on the STV Player.
Warners, which has three property shops, has held the unofficial title as Edinburgh’s leading property solicitor estate agent for 14 consecutive years since 1999, measured in terms of property sales as recorded by ESPC.
More information about Warners can be found on the website www.warnersllp.com
NEN’s AGM will be held in Drylaw Neighbourhood Centre next Tuesday (18 November) at 7pm. All welcome – come along and find out what’s happening at your community newspaper.
North Edinburgh News – December edition
The next NEN print edition is fast approaching – we’ll be printing again in December (look on it as an early Christmas gift!) If you have news you’d like to share with the wider community, email your article and pictures to northedinnews@gmail.com
Or what about taking out an advert? Rates are very reasonable (see below) and your’e supporting your community too!
And for this edition only (true, there’s no much point in running Festive ads in June!) you can say ‘Merry Christmas’ to friends, colleagues, members, family, users and clients in a business card-sized ad for only £25! Just send your words and logo and we’ll add a seasonal graphic. Ho, ho, ho indeed!
DEADLINE for all copy – articles and advertising – is
FRIDAY 21 NOVEMBER so don’t put it off for too long!
