Abstract
Aim
The aim of this study was to update knowledge about children's exposure to televised food advertising in Australia, providing a more comprehensive examination of children's exposure since the introduction of self-regulatory codes.
Methods
Two months of food advertisement data from four free-to-air television stations (SBS, Seven Network, Nine Network and Ten Network) in the five largest Australian cities (Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth) were purchased and analysed. A content analysis was performed to classify the advertised products into food groups according to the Australian Guide to Healthy Eating and whether they were scheduled in children's popular viewing times (CPVT) according to audience viewing data from OzTam. They were also assessed as to whether they included a premium offer (free incentive). The 2 months of data covered September and October 2010 and included 43 weekdays, 18 weekend days and 15 days of school holidays.
Results
In total, 93 284 food advertisements, including repeat airings, were analysed from 1464 hours of continuous programming. The majority (63%) included non-core foods. During CPVT, this figure was significantly higher at 65% versus 61% outside CPVT. Within CPVT, the percentage of advertisements was higher for quick-service restaurants (30% vs 26%) and unhealthy beverages (3% vs 2%). Fifteen per cent of all advertisements were for sugar-sweetened soft drinks. Premiums were still apparent (10% vs 8%) despite being restricted by the codes.
Conclusions
Australian children continue to be exposed to a large amount of advertising for non-core foods, despite the introduction of voluntary codes.
The aim of this study was to update knowledge about children's exposure to televised food advertising in Australia, providing a more comprehensive examination of children's exposure since the introduction of self-regulatory codes.
Methods
Two months of food advertisement data from four free-to-air television stations (SBS, Seven Network, Nine Network and Ten Network) in the five largest Australian cities (Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth) were purchased and analysed. A content analysis was performed to classify the advertised products into food groups according to the Australian Guide to Healthy Eating and whether they were scheduled in children's popular viewing times (CPVT) according to audience viewing data from OzTam. They were also assessed as to whether they included a premium offer (free incentive). The 2 months of data covered September and October 2010 and included 43 weekdays, 18 weekend days and 15 days of school holidays.
Results
In total, 93 284 food advertisements, including repeat airings, were analysed from 1464 hours of continuous programming. The majority (63%) included non-core foods. During CPVT, this figure was significantly higher at 65% versus 61% outside CPVT. Within CPVT, the percentage of advertisements was higher for quick-service restaurants (30% vs 26%) and unhealthy beverages (3% vs 2%). Fifteen per cent of all advertisements were for sugar-sweetened soft drinks. Premiums were still apparent (10% vs 8%) despite being restricted by the codes.
Conclusions
Australian children continue to be exposed to a large amount of advertising for non-core foods, despite the introduction of voluntary codes.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 35-40 |
| Journal | Nutrition and Dietetics |
| Volume | 71 |
| Issue number | 1 |
| Early online date | 3 Jun 2013 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 20 Mar 2014 |
