The UK’s Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) has turned to some holier advisement as part of its 8-week consultation on whether to allow product placement on the telly.
Brand Republic reports that The Church of England has offered its own submission to the consultation, which was launched by Culture Secretary Ben Bradshaw on November 9th after the government outlined support for product placement in September following decades of opposition.
The Church’s POV in a nutshell? Product placement won’t work, as the original ban is part of “a general convention enshrined in broadcasting history” and that easing regulations would blur the lines between editorial and commercial messages. According to BR though, ad revenue is taking a hit and commercial broadcasters would welcome a bit of product placement to generate new income. The consultation closes on January 8, 2010.