ASAI Announces New Appointments to Independent Complaints Committee and Review Panel
The Advertising Standards Authority for Ireland (ASAI) has recently announced the appointment of Declan McLoughlin and Anne Parle-McDermott to its independent complaints committee, as well as Amanda Zahringer as the new chair of the review panel. The ASAI is responsible for promoting high standards in advertising, promotional marketing, and direct marketing, ensuring that all communications are “legal, decent, honest, and truthful.” It requires media outlets to comply with the ASAI Code, which covers all forms of media advertising, including digital, print, outdoor, radio, TV, leaflets/brochures, and direct marketing.
Orla Twomey, CEO of the ASAI, expressed her delight in welcoming the new appointees to their respective roles. She highlighted the unique expertise and wealth of knowledge that each individual brings to the organization, which will greatly benefit the complaints committee and review panel. Twomey emphasized that their collective experience will provide invaluable guidance in the ever-evolving advertising industry.
Declan McLoughlin, the director of Online and Media Codes & Rules at Coimisiún na Meán, has over 20 years of experience in media regulation. He is currently dedicated to developing Ireland’s first Online Safety Code, as well as updating media codes and rules for TV, radio, and on-demand media services. McLoughlin previously served as a senior manager with the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland (BAI), overseeing the BAI’s work on environmental sustainability. He is also the vice-chair of the Broadcasting Sustainability Network. McLoughlin holds a degree from All Hallows College, Dublin, and an advanced diploma in Social Media and Media Law from King’s Inns.
Anne Parle-McDermott, Professor and Principal Investigator of the Molecular Genetics Laboratory at DCU, brings 30 years of experience in the science and education university sector in Ireland. She is a Professor of Genetics in the School of Biotechnology at DCU and has been a member of staff there for 17 years. Parle-McDermott completed her Ph.D. at the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, awarded by Trinity College Dublin. Her research has been featured in numerous scientific publications worldwide.
Additionally, the ASAI has appointed Amanda Zahringer as the new chair of its Review Panel. Zahringer has worked as an international corporate lawyer and partner in London, Madrid, and Dublin, accumulating over 20 years of experience advising multinational companies on corporate and commercial matters. She has cultivated trusted relationships as a strategic advisor to these companies. Zahringer currently chairs the board of Community Finance Ireland (UCIT Ireland) and serves as vice-chair of the board of Ulster Community Investment Trust Ltd. She is also a member of the Irish Times Training academic advisory group. Zahringer’s expertise in legal, strategy, fintech, finance, and philanthropy has allowed her to make a significant social and economic impact on communities and organizations both nationally and globally. She is also an international keynote speaker and a guest speaker in executive leadership at the IMI.
These new appointments reflect the ASAI’s commitment to maintaining high standards in the advertising industry. With the addition of McLoughlin, Parle-McDermott, and Zahringer, the ASAI is well-equipped to navigate the ever-changing landscape of advertising and ensure that all communications adhere to the principles of legality, decency, honesty, and truthfulness.