Ad industry seeks image makeover of its own

Ad industry seeks image makeover of its own," Associated Press, July 23, 2010 appeared in the media outlets above.

COLUMBIA, Mo. — From gimlet-swilling adulterers on TV's "Mad Men" to seven-figure fines for deceptive ads touting cold remedies and credit scores, the ad industry sure could use an image makeover of its own.

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Industry leaders are teaming up with the nation's oldest journalism school to launch the Institute for Advertising Ethics. Among the research center's goals is to improve the public image of a business that spent $125 billion last year but isn't exactly known for its bedrock principles and unwavering scruples.

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Whether it's the duplicitous exploits of fictional television character Don Draper or the latest penalties levied by the Federal Trade Commission, the ad industry struggles to put its best face forward. A 2007 Gallup survey ranked advertisers among the least trustworthy professionals — barely beating out lobbyists and car salesmen.

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Members attending the High School Teachers Workshop at the Reynolds Journalism Institute on the University of Missouri campus take a break as they move to another session Tuesday, July 20, 2010, in Columbia, Mo. Advertising industry leaders are teaming up with the journalism school to launch the Institute for Advertising Ethics to improve the public image of the advertising business.

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