Running an ad for weight loss supplements during a documentary about anorexia was not a socially responsible move by TVNZ, an Advertising Standards Authority decision finds.
The advertisement for a diet supplement was played during The Truth About Beauty, a documentary series looking at issues facing young women including messages from the mainstream media and the impacts these have on adolescent girls.
The particular episode focused specifically on anorexia.
Complainant N Barton said the ad should not have been shown during the documentary which targeted teenage girls.
"It is not socially responsible. This makes a direct link from the product to the underweight and unhealthy women featured in the programme."
The advertiser said it had no knowledge that the ad would be played during the documentary, claiming it was played as an unauthorised filler by TVNZ.
The ASA upheld the complaint and advised TVNZ to be more vigilant in future about such matters.
In response TVNZ said it was company policy to remove sensitive programming content where it was likely to cause offence though neither the sales team nor advertising placement staff were aware of the nature of that particular episode.
The broadcaster had apologised for any offence caused by the oversight.
