Advertising Industry Self-Regulation: An Interview with Eric D. Reicin of BBB National Programs

Abstract: In this discussion, law and advertising scholar Jef I. Richards of Michigan State University and Eric D. Reicin, President and CEO of BBB National Programs, explore the ins and outs of industry self-regulation. A nonprofit organization, BBB National Programs strives to create consumer trust and fair competition by setting guidelines and resolving disagreements outside the courtroom. Its programs are many as they cover different areas of business: truth in advertising, protecting children, privacy, emerging technology, arbitrating disputes, monitoring industry, and educating about industry self-regulation. The participants discuss some past, current, and future cases which illustrate the value of these self-regulation programs, with a focus on the conversation in the advertising industry.