Dubit CEO appointed to youth advertising panel
THE chief executive of Yorkshire youth communications and research agency Dubit has been appointed by the Advertising Association (AA) to its new youth advertising industry panel.
Ian Douthwaite, chief executive of the Leeds-based business, has joined the panel that will provide industry leadership on the way in which advertising and marketing communications engage with children and young people.
The panel’s first task will be to address the specific concerns outlined in the Bailey Review including ‘sexual imagery’ on billboards, the use of brand ambassadors and peer-to-peer techniques, and improving industry and regulatory understanding of parental concerns.
Mr Douthwaite’s appointment follows Dubit’s work with the Advertising Association on the development of the Check website, a toolkit for anyone whose business involves marketing and communication with children.
Commenting on his appointment, Mr Douthwaite said: “As highlighted in the Bailey Review, the digital age presents new challenges for the marketing industry and rightly places greater responsibility on the shoulders of those communicating with children.
“As ethical marketers we must ensure that we meet these challenges and face the responsibilities. I’m looking forward to continuing Dubit’s work with the Advertising Association and advancing ethical practices.”
The panel will comprise of a small number of senior practitioners drawn from relevant companies across advertisers, social media, mobile, internet, youth marketing agencies and the internet. Advice will also be sought from independent academics and children’s and parenting groups.
Dubit incorporates three divisions, working across youth research and marketing, as well as the development of virtual worlds and social games. Clients include the BBC, Cartoon Network and Kelloggs.
