Real estate agents. Could they cop any more flack? Apparently, yes - from one person anyway. And the ad watchdog has agreed one real estate bilboard was a bit too flashy.
Real estate firm The Professionals came under the hammer for an out-of-home ad which featured an image of a man wearing a cream coat, socks and shoes. He was shown from behind, legs spread and holding the coat open. It featured the tagline "Expose Yourself".
The ad didn't sit well with one
consumer, who lodged the following complaint to the Advertising
Standards Bureau (ASB). "I find this ad offensive. It is using
criminal offence to sell property.
"Real estate companies should have
to resort to this type of advertising. Exposing yourself should be
condemned. It is a grubby sign. Children
should not have to see this ad, which is on a main road".
The Professionals hit back, arguing: "The content and graphic used was in no way designed to cause offence and was in no way deemed inappropriate or of any sexual nature nor is there any nudity portrayed."
The watchdog ruled that while it was not inappropriate for children nor showed any nudity, it alluded to the the action of flashing and was thus a breach of the prevailing community standards on health and safety. "This is a depiction of behaviour which is illegal and the text "expose yourself" was condoning if not encourage such behaviour".
The Professionals said it had removed the ad in question.
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