Advertising Self-Regulation: Selected Case Materials

To help educators teach about a fairer and better experience for consumers, the ANA Educational Foundation and BBB National Programs are collaborating to develop advertising self-regulation case studies.

Within these case studies, we offer PDFs with background information, materials from actual case decisions, the related press releases, and other teaching materials. Content ranges in topics and is organized by categories: sustainability, technology, and brand competitive claims. Below is the current content library, which will be updated on a regular basis:

• BBB National Programs Advertising Self-Regulation National Advertising Division Higher Education Deck
• BBB National Programs | Case Decisions (bbbprograms.org)
• All Advertising Programs (bbbprograms.org)

BBB National Programs is an independent, non-profit organization that is home to more than a dozen independent industry self-regulation, accountability, and dispute resolution programs. Its focus is on creating a fairer playing field for businesses and a better experience for consumers.

The National Advertising Division (NAD) of BBB National Programs provides independent self-regulation and dispute resolution services, guiding the truthfulness of advertising across the United States. NAD reviews national advertising in all media and its decisions set consistent standards for advertising truth and accuracy, delivering meaningful protection to consumers and leveling the playing field for business.

The National Advertising Review Board (NARB) is the appellate body for BBB National Programs’ advertising self-regulatory programs. NARB’s panel members include 98 distinguished volunteer professionals from the national advertising industry, agencies, and public members, such as academics and former members of the public sector. NARB serves as a layer of independent industry peer review that helps engender trust and compliance in NAD, CARU, and DSSRC matters.

Academic Advisory Board:

Dr. Nancy Brinson: University of Alabama

Dr. Leslie Carlson: University of Nebraska-Lincoln

Dr. Jason Chambers: University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign

Dr. Judy Davis: Eastern Michigan University

Dr. Nathaniel Evans: University of Georgia

Dr. Carrie La Ferle: Southern Methodist University

Christine Guilfoyle: ANA Educational Foundation (AEF)

Prof. Scott Hamula: Ithaca College

Dr. Anna McAlister: Endicott College

Gord McLean: ANA Educational Foundation (AEF)

Dr. Michelle Nelson: University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign

Eric D. Reicin: BBB National Programs

Dr. Jef I. Richards: Michigan State University

Dr. Tom Reichert: University of South Carolina

Marcia Soling: ANA Educational Foundation (AEF)

Dr. Ed Timke: Michigan State University

ANA Growth Agenda Priorities:

Within these case studies, we offer PDfs with background information, materials for the case decision, the press releases, and the teaching case studies. Content ranges in topics and is organized by categories: sustainability, technology, and brand competitive claims. 

If you have any questions about the Advertising Self-Regulation process or these case studies please submit your comments: