Native Advertising in UK Newspapers Departmental Spending 2021-03-25
2021-03-25
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
Concern over government expenditure and its transparency regarding advertisements in UK newspapers.
How much his Department has spent on native advertising in UK newspapers since the end of the transition period. The questioner wants to know about the specific financial details of these ad campaigns and their impact.
We have spent funds on paid advertising in up to 600 newspapers across the UK since January, including 60 titles predominantly directed towards ethnic minority communities. We also supported 105 Scottish titles that reach over half the population of Scotland. Regional and local newspapers received at least 60% of the funding from January to March 2021. All titles in the press partnership were selected independently by OmniGov. Spending on gov.uk is published monthly as part of Government transparency arrangements.
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Assessment & feedback
The answer does not provide a specific amount spent, only a description of how funds are allocated and used.
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
Food producers in East Lothian are facing additional costs, paperwork and procedures due to Brexit.
Would the Minister care to pay for an advert in the East Lothian Courier setting out the facts of Brexit, not the fiction that has been promoted in other paid outlets and adverts?
The hon. Gentleman is welcome to come to Haddington to support Craig Hoy, a strong voice for East Lothian at Holyrood. However, he does not directly address the question of paying for an advert in the East Lothian Courier.
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Assessment & feedback
The Minister did not commit to paying for an advertisement setting out facts about Brexit.
Redirecting
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
Concern that the Government's advertisements focus on a limited number of companies rather than a broader range.
In relation to these native adverts regarding the so-called benefits of Brexit, why are only certain companies highlighted?
There is a limitless list of businesses that believe the Government's approach is right. However, he does not address which companies are highlighted or if others would be willing to comment on the benefits of Brexit.
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Assessment & feedback
The Minister did not provide details about why certain companies were chosen and whether other companies could speak on the matter.
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
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Context
Concern over Government advertisements not clearly identifying themselves as such, potentially misleading the public.
Why have the Government chosen to flout the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) code by omitting their identity in ads?
I have been furnished with no evidence of flouting the code. However, if there are complaints, we will investigate them. He also notes that the Scottish Government spends money on advertising in newspapers like The Press and Journal and The Courier.
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Assessment & feedback
The Minister did not confirm or deny whether they were flouting the ASA code, instead noting if there are complaints, they will investigate.
Response accuracy
Q5
Partial Answer
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Context
Further concern over Government advertisements not clearly identifying themselves as such, potentially misleading the public.
Why have the UK Government chosen to mislead the public by omitting their identity in ads?
I am happy to put my name and that of the UK Government to all this material. We work in conjunction with devolved Administrations to place content appropriately, including during the covid pandemic. The Scottish Government also advertises in newspapers.
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Assessment & feedback
The Minister did not address the specifics of ASA code compliance and whether they are misleading the public by omitting their identity.
Response accuracy
Q6
Partial Answer
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Context
Concern that the Government needs to buy news stories to promote Brexit, suggesting it is a failing project.
Does the Minister not agree that needing to buy news stories for Brexit indicates its failure?
No, I would not say that. We work with devolved Administrations to place content appropriately, including during the pandemic. He and I will disagree on policy questions, but we agree on keeping media vital.
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Assessment & feedback
The Minister did not address whether promoting Brexit through advertisements indicates its failure.
Redirecting
Response accuracy