The AAF Government Report (2/15/2009) notes
The House and Senate agreed in Senate Bill 352 to postpone the analog to digital television transition to June 13, 2009, and extends (pending budget authority) the period during which converter box coupons will be available and provides for replacement coupons for those that expire.
The AAF hosted Rep. Joe Crowley (D. NY), a key member of the house Ways and Means Committee, at a breakfast meet and greet to allow advertising executives discuss their business and industry particularly in light of renewed interest in limiting the income tax deduction for advertising expenses.
The FDA announced that is will conduct a study on DTC advertising in which it proposes to show 2400 subjects a fictional blood pressure medication ad to guage the typical consumer's understanding of the presentation of the risks and benefits presented in the ad. THe FDA said that the study is needed to develop standards called for in the FDA Amendments Act of 2007.
Outgoing Chair William Kovacic of the FTC, in the agency's self-assessment report FTC at 100: Into Our Second Century, commended self-regulation by the advertising industry, particularly by the BBB's National Advertising Division and the National Advertising Review Council. Chairman Kovacic noted that industry self regulation is particularly suited to advertising in which government restrictions implicate First Amendment concerns.
