Advertising Industry Self-Regulation Expands Board of Directors

CEOs of DMA, ERA, IAB Join Board of National Advertising Review Council

New York, NY – Jan. 27, 2009 - The National Advertising Review Council today announced expansion of the NARC Board to include Julie Coons, President and CEO of the Electronic Retailing Association (ERA), John A. Greco, Jr., President and CEO of the Direct Marketing Association (DMA) and Randall Rothenberg, President and CEO of the Interactive Advertising Bureau (IAB).

The appointments of Ms. Coons, Mr. Greco and Mr. Rothenberg expand the NARC Board, which sets policies and procedures for advertising industry self-regulation, to 11 members from eight members.

The move represents the first expansion of the Board since the organization was founded more than 30 years ago.

“The advertising industry has changed dramatically since NARC was created,” said Eric Mower, NARC Board Chair and President and CEO of Eric Mower and Associates, Syracuse, NY. “The ERA, DMA and IAB are strong, effective supporters of self-regulation. The participation of Ms. Coons, Mr. Greco and Mr. Rothenberg will significantly strengthen the board’s ability to build on the success of our self-regulatory programs and provide important perspective on the many new issues faced by the advertising industry.”

"We've been actively involved in encouraging self-regulation since 2004, when ERA and NARC
developed a self-regulatory program for direct-response marketers. Through our Electronic Retailing Self-Regulation Program (ERSP), we have developed an ongoing partnership with the NARC and consider it the gold standard for ethical advertising practices. It is an honor and privilege to join the board and I look forward to working with my fellow board members to ensure the continuation of a healthy and vibrant self-regulatory community,” said Ms. Coons.

"In a digital economy, many of the distinctions between direct marketing and advertising have
diminished and it is important for all sectors in these communities to work together in promoting ethical business practices,” said Mr. Greco. “I'm delighted to join the NARC Board and look forward to advancing the principles of self-regulation."

“As we look to the future of advertising, it is clear that interactive marketing is playing an
increasingly prominent role and it is essential that we continue to demonstrate to consumers and the government our commitment to the highest standards of ethical conduct,” said Randall Rothenberg. “I look forward to working with my fellow NARC board members to build on the outstanding tradition of self-regulation that they have established.”

"NARC programs have an outstanding record of success and are regularly cited by the government and business community as a model of effective self-regulation,” said C. Lee Peeler, President of NARC. "This expansion comes at an opportune time and strengthens our ability to raise the profile and broaden the role of self-regulation in promoting high standards of ethical business conduct."