Q. When is a religious ad not a religious ad?

A. When it's screened on Maori TV.

Maori TV has reneged on a commitment to be more transparent when broadcasting advertisements funded by the Church of Scientology.

Following a complaint, Maori TV agreed in late May to make it clear that ads broadcast for drugfreeworld were funded by the Church of Scientology.

However the drugfreeworld ads continue to play without any indication of their religious basis.

A formal complaint has now been laid with the ASA, who consider breeches of the advertising standards.

'The fact that the ads screen on the reality prison show 'Songs from the Inside' suggest a targeted at vulnerable members of the community,' says Gareth Seymour, who made the complaint. ''It's a free society, but there are guidelines that suggest consumers be presented with 'truth' in advertising.' Drugfreeworld, and Maori TV, have crossed that line'

'We hope that the ASA will give clear direction about religious advertising needing to be transparent.

MTV should be required to add a rider, stating that 'drugfree' ads are brought to viewers by the Church of Scientology.'

NB: the drugfree campaign discourages the use of prescription medicines when dealing with addictions.

ends

© Scoop Media