Nova “booking error” sees “inappropriate” Village Cinemas ad air on smoothfm

A complaint against a Village Cinemas’ Date Night advertisement,  accidentally aired on smoothfm due to a “booking error”, has been upheld by the Ad Standards Community Board.

The advertisement includes quotes form upcoming John Cena movie ‘Blockers’, including “I want to go to prom and lose my God-damn virginity.”

A complaint was made to the Ad Standards by a parent who was listening to smoothfm while taking her 11, 9 and 6-year-old children to after-school activities.

Village Cinemas responded, blaming a “booking error” by NOVA Entertainment and explaining that the ad was supposed to air on a different station.

“This advertisement was intended to air on Nova 100, however due to a booking error made by Nova Entertainment this commercial aired on Smooth FM.”

“Smooth FM is not the right audience for the activity, and subsequently has offended a listener who made a complaint to the Ad Standards Board.

“Nova Entertainment have accepted their error, and will apply due diligence for all future bookings.”

The Ad Standards Community Panel noted the advertisement included “strong sexual reference and was inappropriate for a broad audience that would include children.”

“The Panel considered that the advertisement did not treat the issue of sex, sexuality and nudity with sensitivity to the relevant broad audience.”

The complaint was therefore upheld as it was likely to “cause offence” to some members of the community.

“Village Cinemas will also carefully monitor all future radio commercials including audio clips provided by film distributors, and ensure that they do not cause offence and adhere to the radio advertising codes,” said Village Cinemas.

The complaint and ruling can be viewed in full here:  https://adstandards.com.au/cases?ref=0160/18