Frequently Asked Questions about Preclearance of Children’s Advertising
Children’s Broadcast Advertising Clearance
Children’s Non-Broadcast Advertising Clearance (print and Internet)
Children’s Broadcast Advertising Clearance: Service Options
1. Committee clearance
- The committee meets every other Monday morning to review finished commercials.
- A meeting schedule is published annually by ASC.
- Turnaround time – submit by Friday noon preceding the scheduled Monday meeting. Your approved submission will be emailed back to you with a nine-character ASC approval number valid for one year, by close of business on meeting day. This number signifies to broadcasters that the commercial has been approved.
2. Holiday "off-week" clearance
- In-between regular Monday committee clearance meetings during the peak pre-holiday season (September to December).
- Turnaround time — submit by Friday noon preceding the scheduled Monday meeting. Your approved submission will be emailed back to you with a nine-character ASC approval number valid for one year, by close of business on meeting day. This number signifies to broadcasters that the commercial has been approved.
3. Conditional clearance
- A "temporary" or conditional approval mechanism is available as a service to advertisers who require expedited review and approval in between regularly scheduled meetings.
- The Committee reviews the submission online and a "temporary" approval number is issued, which then becomes final at the next scheduled Children's Committee meeting.
- Turnaround time — Your approved submission will be emailed back to you with a nine-character ASC approval number valid for one year, within two (2) business days. This number signifies to broadcasters that the commercial has been approved.
4. Script/video evaluation
- Prior to final commercial production and submission for committee clearance, scripts and storyboards, or scripts and videos may be submitted for evaluation. Children’s section staff will advise (in writing) whether or not the submission complies with the Children’s Code. Although this preliminary evaluation does not guarantee final committee clearance, it can help avoid changes to finished commercials.
- Turnaround time — In the case of script/video evaluations, no number is issues. These submissions are stamped as "Reviewed" and returned to you by email.
Children’s Broadcast Advertising Clearance: How do I submit my commercial for review?
Step 1: Obtain a clearance submission form.
Step 2: Complete the clearance submission form. Indicate desired service, e.g. committee clearance, conditional clearance, script/video evaluation.
Step 3: Attach your advertisement copy along with the following items:
- TV: Include script with detailed video description
- Radio: Include script with detailed audio description (SFX)
- Final commercial for committee and conditional clearance in a video file, DVD, CD-R or on VHS
- Rough-cut of the commercial is acceptable for evaluation in a video file, DVD, CD-R or on VHS
For copies in languages other than English or French, please provide a translation.
Step 4: Submit the completed submission form and commercial using one of the following methods:
- Online submission — If submitted through our online submission form, you will receive an email confirmation with a reference number indicating that we have received your submission.
- Fax — 416-961-7904.
- Email — clearance@adstandards.com
- Mail or courier — 175 Bloor Street East, Suite 1801, South Tower, Toronto, Ont., M4W 3R8.
Your approved submission will be faxed or emailed back to you with a nine-character ASC approval number, valid for one year. This number signifies to broadcasters that the commercial has been approved.
Telecaster numbers & CBC preliminary approval
- At your request, ASC Clearance Services will forward your approved scripts to Telecaster or CBC. (There is no additional charge for this service.) You will need to forward your finished commercials to their offices directly.
- Please note that you must follow up directly with Telecaster and/or CBC on the status of your submission.
Children’s Broadcast Advertising Clearance: How long does it take to do an evaluation?
Regular service: Two business days from receipt of submission
Priority service: One business day from receipt of submission
Children’s Broadcast Advertising Clearance: Who can I talk to about advertising clearance?
Call ASC at 416-961-6311 or 1-888-256-8646, press 1 and an administrative coordinator will assist you promptly.
Do I need clearance by any other bodies?
ASC Clearance Services reviews advertising in 5 regulated areas to ensure compliance with specific sectoral legislation, regulations, codes and guidelines. For television advertising, in addition to obtaining an ASC Clearance number, prior to airing, commercials must be approved by the public and/or private broadcasters to ensure their standards are met. Contact CBC Advertising Standards or Telecaster Services of TVB for complete details.
CBC Advertising Standards is the in-house review division of the CBC.
Telecaster Services of TVB provides commercial review services for its private broadcaster members.
Children’s Non-Broadcast Advertising Clearance: How do I submit my commercial for review?
Step 1 Obtain a clearance submission form.
Step 2 Complete the clearance submission form. Indicate the desired service.
Step 3 Attach your advertising copy. Please note the following requirements:
- For print/out-of-home/P.O.P. materials/other, please include a printable copy of the advertising.
- Website: Include a printable copy of the website.
For copy in languages other than English or French, please provide a translation.
Children’s Non-Broadcast Advertising Clearance: How will I know the submission has been approved?
Your approved submission will be returned to you with a nine-character ASC approval number, valid for one year. This number signifies to the avertiser and presenting media that the commercial has been approved.
Children’s Non-Broadcast Advertising Clearance: How long does it take to do an evaluation?
Regular service: Two business days from receipt of submission
Priority service: One business day from receipt of submission
Children’s Non-Broadcast Advertising Clearance: Who can I talk to about advertising clearance?
Call ASC at 416-961-6311 or 1-888-256-8646, press 1 and an administrative coordinator will assist you promptly.
Do I need clearance by any other bodies?
ASC Clearance Services reviews advertising in 5 regulated areas to ensure compliance with specific sectoral legislation, regulations, codes and guidelines. For television advertising, in addition to obtaining an ASC Clearance number, prior to airing, commercials must be approved by the public and/or private broadcasters to ensure their standards are met. Contact CBC Advertising Standards or Telecaster Services of TVB for complete details.
CBC Advertising Standards is the in-house review division of the CBC.
Telecaster Services of TVB provides commercial review services for its private broadcaster members.
