“Unavoidable Impact”, a report for Adfree Cities, questions the ethics of advertising in areas already affected by deprivation, pollution and low income. This is the first survey to compare indicators of health and wealth to advertising placement at a national scale. Published in The Guardian, our research found that four in five billboards are in the poorer areas of England. The research was presented in Parliament alongside Caroline Lucas MP and Barry Sheerman MP.
Advertising density increases as deprivation levels deepen, areas with more air pollution are likely to have more billboards, and there is more marketing in areas with lower income, where people have the least disposable income to spend.
“This cutting-edge report from Adfree Cities takes a novel and comprehensive look at the spatiality of outdoor advertising, and how it is implicated in the vast health and wealth disparities we see across society today. It does so with a truly unique lens not focused on any one product category in isolation but taking a broader perspective drawing together data and insights from across disciplines and sectors to provide innovative insight … meaningful change is possible, and this report shows why it is needed and how it can be done. It’s a must read.” Professor Emma Boyland, University of Liverpool.
Produced at Adfree Cities.
Reported on by The Guardian.
Presented in Parliament, at the University of Leeds and Theatre Deli Sheffield.
