WFA champions value of advertising

Date: 06/10/2008

Brussels, 6th October 2008: The World Federation of Advertisers (WFA) today launched a global campaign to champion the value of advertising to political audiences.

At a time when advertising regulation is being considered as a response to challenges ranging from obesity and alcohol abuse to the commercialization of childhood and climate change, WFA is concerned at the potentially counter-productive effects of restrictions to advertising freedoms.

The campaign seeks to highlight the benefits of advertising to the economy, society and consumers so that they are better recognized when setting the rules about what the marketing industry can and cannot do. It is based on an online toolkit (including surveys, presentations and other communications materials) designed to help the industry reach out to political audiences worldwide with a clear and consistent message via WFA's network of national advertiser associations across 55 major markets, its 52 multi-national corporate members and its partners across the industry.

Advertising is the driver of consumer choice and, by promoting market competition, helps deliver better value for money. It enables innovation to be brought to market and stimulates economic growth and jobs. It funds free and independent media, an unprecedented variety of content, and supports a wide variety of cultural and sporting events.

Said Stephan Loerke, Managing Director of WFA: "Today marks the beginning of a collaborative industry effort to get back on the front foot when we talk to politicians about advertising. The many benefits of advertising are too often overlooked when regulating our business."

An overview of the value of advertising can be found at www.valueofadvertising.org

For enquiries, please contact Will Gilroy at w.gilroy@wfanet.org or +32 (0)2 502 57 40