How Advertisements Have Changed on British TV
Last updated: January 27, 2025
Advertisements on British TV have changed to reflect wider social change, technological advancement and changes to consumer behaviour. The nature of advertising has changed unrecognizably since the first commercial appeared on ITV in 1955, giving us insight into the large shift in media and marketing techniques.
Historical Context
The first stages of television advertising in the UK were pretty humble. The first ad for Gibbs SR toothpaste very big move away from the static newspaper ads and laid way for a new form of advertising. With the arrival of colour television in the 1960s, the visual aspect of adverts was taken to a whole new level, starting with Bird's Eye Garden Peas being the first colour TV commercial in 1969. These innovations dazzled audiences and helped the brands convey their message with colourful graphics and catchy jingles.
The Rise of Digital Marketing
Advertising progressed with the advancement in technology. With the arrival of the internet back in late 20th-century, many doors opened for marketers. Companies started pushing more for online presence, moving away from typical TV advertisement to new means of digital marketing. Nowadays, ads can be found on social media, web pages, mobile apps, and TV. This, in turn, has enabled brands to reach specific demographics with a precision that was once unobtainable.
Promoting online casinos is another trend. It has grown trendier and trendier with the increasing popularity of gambling platforms available on the internet. Commercials for these services have flooded our screens — appearing on nearly all media platforms, from TV to social media — signalling a more generalized acceptance of gambling among the general populace. Of course, there are a few rules to follow when it comes to gambling advertising.
Changes in Regulation and Effect on the Consumer
Advertising rules have changed too. The Gambling Act 2005 opened up new opportunities for gambling operators to advertise in virtually all media within Great Britain, resulting in a tidal wave of gambling advertisements appearing on our television screens. But, the boosted growth has caused many to worry about the possibility of negative effects on youth. Others have argued that excessive gambling advertising normalizes risky behaviours.
Regulatory authorities have taken steps to address these concerns to ensure responsible advertising practices are followed. For example, they have set recommendations to ensure ads do not exploit vulnerable people or imply gambling can be a solution to financial difficulties. These can be beneficial as they consumer interests from commercial exploitation.
Final Words: The Future of Television Advertising
Advertisements shown on British television have changed a lot since they were first introduced in 1955. This reflects evolving technologies and fickle societal norm — right from simple ad campaigns for toothpaste to largescale digital marketing campaigns for online casinos and everything in between.
All of this has implications for the TV ad market going forward. The way we consume television is changing with the introduction of streaming services and on-demand content. Advertisers are responding by seeking new formats like interactive ads and customized content based on viewers’ interests. In addition, with more and more viewers consuming their content through digital platforms, brands are changing their approach to capture the attention of the audience. This may mean embedding ads into programming or using data analytics to better understand consumer behaviour.
