ASA swamped with Sky/VM ad complaints

The Advertising Standards Authority has advised Virgin Media customers concerned over Sky adverts inviting them to call the cable operator over the possible departure of channels including Sky One from cable that they are unable to take any action on the case.

"IMPORTANT: We are aware of viewer concern about advertising on Sky channels that urge Virgin Media customers to complain to them about the possibility of losing certain Sky channels from their cable contracts," a statement reads on the ASA's "How to Complain" website. "If you wish to complain about these advertisements, please do not complain to the ASA. You should contact Ofcom, who will look into this matter."

Yesterday, it emerged that Ofcom are planning to review the adverts in question because they are effectively editorial output on Sky's own channels, not paid-for advertisements.