Episodes

From pharma and supplements, to pet products and AI, the same rule applies: advertisers need evidence that matches the claims. In the Season 6 finale of Ad Watchers, attorneys from the National Advertising Division (NAD) revisit some of the season’s hottest advertising topics and examine a new round of cases involving pharmaceutical products, GLP-1 weight loss programs, supplements, contact lenses, pet products, and AI-enabled technology. The episode highlights six recurring principles: Tailor ...

With more consumers seeking debt relief and digital financial tools than ever before, claims about savings and financial outcomes are drawing increased attention from regulators, competitors, and self-regulatory bodies alike. In this episode of Ad Watchers, attorneys from the National Advertising Division (NAD) break down recent cases involving debt relief providers and personal finance apps, exploring what advertisers need to know about substantiating savings claims, survey-based advertising, ...

Influencer marketing is now a major part of the advertising landscape, but questions around disclosures, sponsored content, material connections, and misleading claims continue to create challenges for brands, agencies, creators, and consumers. In this episode of Ad Watchers, our hosts speak with Jennifer Santos about the Institute for Responsible Influence, an initiative designed to help creators and brands better understand responsible advertising practices. The conversation covers IRI’s certi...

With heightened consumer expectations around safety, transparency, and performance, infant care brands face growing pressure to ensure their advertising claims are properly supported. In this episode of Ad Watchers, NAD attorneys explore the evolving and innovative landscape of infant care marketing, from infant formula and diapers to AI-powered baby monitors and bassinets. Learn about recent cases and ensuring vulnerable audiences fully understand the benefits and limitations of advertised prod...

Ad Watchers: Are pet product claims more marketing than reality? Pet product advertising is facing increased scrutiny, and recent National Advertising Division (NAD) cases highlight why precision in claims matters. In this episode of Ad Watchers, NAD attorneys break down key cases involving “human-grade” pet food, ingredient and comparative claims, savings messages, Made in USA qualifications, and common issues like puffery and odor or stain elimination claims. The episode underscores a critical...

In this episode, the National Advertising Division (NAD) examines the rapid rise in pharma and health-related cases—now a significant and growing share of its docket. The conversation explores some of today’s most closely scrutinized issues, including GLP-1 and compounded drug claims, and a wide variety of health claims from eczema to plantar fasciitis, as well as strikethrough pricing and endorsement disclosures. This episode offers a timely look at how self-regulation is shaping industry pract...

It is common for advertisers to engage in a little healthy competition, directly comparing their products to a competitor’s to inform consumers about the differences between them. But what happens when things get mean? It crosses the line when denigrating claims are false. The National Advertising Division’s (NAD) mission is to ensure that consumers are getting accurate advertising, to enhance trust in the marketplace. In this final episode of the season, hosts Annie and Eric discuss denigrating...

In 2024, 82% of U.S. marketers used influencer partnerships in ad campaigns at a value of a whopping $24 billion. Influencer marketing is a key cornerstone of marketing campaigns, but how much do consumers trust influencers and influencer marketing? In this episode of Ad Watchers, hosts Annie and Eric are joined by Katie Goldstein of SuperAwesome to discuss recent data commissioned by the National Advertising Division to establish consumer trust in influencer advertising. The survey found that o...

Health-related advertising claims are held to a higher standard of proof than other claims. For health-related claims, a “reasonable basis” requires advertisers to provide competent and reliable scientific evidence (CARSE). In this episode, your hosts Annie and Eric dig into the weeds of National Advertising Division cases on GLP-1, claims that certain foods could “boost brain health,” performance claims like “live longer” and “jump higher,” and other drug and dietary supplement claims, includin...

The U.S. advertising industry founded the National Advertising Division (NAD) to build consumer trust in advertising and support fair competition in the marketplace. Through this soft law model, responsible brands voluntarily discontinue or modify challenged misleading ad claims. In this era of deregulation, industry leaders can learn from the advertising industry and keep moving forward even if government does not. In this episode of Ad Watchers, hosts Annie and Eric talk with Howard Smith, the...