This Code has been prepared by the Regulator pursuant to Section 7(2A) of the
Telecommunications, Radiocommunications and Broadcasting Act, 2009 (the “Act”)
to guide radio and television broadcasters, and media service providers licensed to
provide services in Vanuatu. A series of consultations were conducted to facilitate
inputs from all stakeholders. This process has led to the final promulgated version of
the Code, which is now more accurately reflect the current norms and expectations
of both broadcasters and broadcast audiences in Vanuatu.
One function of the Offi ce of the Telecommunication Radiocommunication and Broadcasting Regulator under the Telecommunication Radiocommunication and Broadcasting regulation Act No. 30 of 2009 as amended (“the Act”) is to implement, facilitate and enforce the provision of the Act undersection 7(2) (b).
Pursuant to section 39(5) of the Act all Licensee are obliged not to supply or propose supply of service, or engage in conduct that is misleading or deceptive.
In order to support section 39(5) of the Act, TRBR produces this Advertising Guidelines for the Media and Broadcasting sector.
In accordance with the TRBR Act, Section 7 (2A) © and (d) states The Regulator is to regulate and set ethical standards for broadcasting and media services and to secure proper standards of television and sound broadcasting with regard to both the programme content and technical performance of broadcasts.
This advertising standard is intended to help advertisers, agencies, the media, infl uencers (“parties” to an advertisement) and the community to understand the steps that should be taken to ensure advertising is clearly identifi ed as such to its audience, as required by the Vanuatu Broadcasting Advertising Standards.
Advertising plays a crucial role in today’s modern business.
Advertising and advertisement(s)” are any message, the content of which is controlled directly or indirectly by the advertiser, expressed in any languages and communicated in any medium with the intent to infl uence the choice, opinion or behaviour of those of whom it is addressed.
Advertising can appear in the forms of SMS, radio audio message, television, internet advert, social media post. These guidelines set a basic guiding principle in relation to the promotion of media and broadcasting services for industry to observe on a voluntary basis.
For the avoidance of doubt, nothing in these advertising guidelines absolves any broadcasters from operating with the terms of its license and the Act.