MPs recommend companies don’t advertise with papers which don’t support new press complaints body
It has been revealed that MPs on the culture select committee plan to propose that companies do not spend money advertising with newspapers which do not support or follow the rules of a new press complaints body.
John Whittingdale, committee chairman, is suggesting that the UK's biggest advertisers sign up to a voluntary pledge through Isba, the trade body for UK advertisers.
Whittingdale said: "Advertisers have considerable leverage through the power of money, just as was demonstrated when advertisers pulled money from the News of the World over the Milly Dowler affair.
"The agreement would make it clear that they will expect any publication in which their ads appear to be a member and subscribe to the body's rules. It seems this is a very clear way in which we could create a real incentive, real pressure, without parliament having to legislate. It would be a clear signal [from advertisers] of their wish to be seen to be responsible and promote good practices."