Mascara product placement trips up Style Network

LONDON - Media watchdog Ofcom has found The Style Network channel in breach of the Broadcasting Code after it failed to edit out product placement for Maybelline mascara in a US-produced reality TV show.

The show, 'Running in Heels', follows three interns working in Marie Claire magazine's New York office.

A 23-second long sequence featured one of the interns pulling out three mascaras from her bag saying they were the new Maybelline mascara, and a close-up shot of the packaging with the brand clearly visible.

The interns all wear the product out that evening and are shown commenting "my lashes look so much longer" and "it really does make them look glossy".

US-originated programming is exempt from rule 10.5 of the code, which prohibits product placement.

However, The Style Network was caught out by rule 10.4, which stipulates that no undue prominence may be given in any programme to a product or service.

Market Reports

Get unprecedented new-business intelligence with access to ±±¾©Èü³µpk10’s new Market Reports.

Find out more

Enjoying ±±¾©Èü³µpk10’s content?

 Get unlimited access to ±±¾©Èü³µpk10’s premium content for your whole company with a corporate licence.

Upgrade access

Looking for a new job?

Get the latest creative jobs in advertising, media, marketing and digital delivered directly to your inbox each day.

Create an alert now

Partner content