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ChessieC
Reel Rookie

Reporting ads that are biased/misinforming/irrelevant

Getting annoyed with these incredibly biased ads playing on the Roku channels. This started when Bloomberg was running in the primaries and has now continued during the pandemic. There should be a way to flag ads. Some of the ads shown definitely don’t apply to my household. It would be nice to not have to see some of these ads every time ads interrupt the shows we’re watching. 

40 REPLIES 40
optikhog
Roku Guru

Re: Reporting ads that are biased/misinforming/irrelevant

Defining that which is "biased/misinforming/irrelevant" would be subjective.  If an advertiser pays money and the content does not cross the boundary of being offensive (sexual exploitation or exposition, 7 banned words, etc.) and/or grotesque, then the ad will play, regardless of platform.  That's part of a capitalist framework (please refer to First Amendment for guidance).

That being said, typically such requests would be sent to the support team, which may or may not choose to log your complaints.  Most likely not unless there was a major groundswell against, as Roku is a for-profit advertising company.

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twiceover
Roku Guru

Re: Reporting ads that are biased/misinforming/irrelevant

You say "Roku channels"...  Do you specifically mean "The Roku Channel" or just apps on your Roku?  I would think you should bring your issue to the channel developer, which in case of "The Roku Channel" would be Roku.  Something like Pluto or Tubi, you would bring to them I'd imagine.

Honestly, the probably all use one of a handful of Ad suppliers.  I think Roku runs one.

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ChessieC
Reel Rookie

Re: Reporting ads that are biased/misinforming/irrelevant

Roku channel*, didn’t realize i made it plural. 
I did bring it up to Roku, and also here-hense the start up of a discussion. I figured there are other people who would prefer the ability to skip certain ads or to flag them in a similar manner as YouTube (skip ad) or on Facebook (flagging irrelevant ads). I chose to get a Roku to get away from the normal Cable style channels where you have to contend with commercials. Now I’m paying less, but deal with the same amount of irritating ads. 

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twiceover
Roku Guru

Re: Reporting ads that are biased/misinforming/irrelevant

Yeah, that's the double edge sword of cord cutting.  The channels have to pay for their content somehow, whether by ads or direct payment.  It's up to the user to figure out which is worth their viewing experience.  Personally, I'd pay to get no ads if possible but I won't pay AND get ads.  So something like Hulu where you pay to get viewing with ads is just not going to happen for me, their ad-free tier is what I would pay for (if they had content I was interested in).  Channels like Tubi and Pluto don't give me an option to pay so it is my personal preference to use their channels and thus receive their ads to generate revenue (I do for Pluto).

In the end, a channel has to make money otherwise why be in business.  Content licensing and bandwidth costs aren't cheap.  My only advise is to Vote not only with your wallet, but with your time.  I pay for Netflix so I don't have to watch ads.  I watch ads on Pluto so I don't have to pay.  I certainly won't pay for Sling so I can watch ads.  But that is me.  "You do you" as the kids say.

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Re: Reporting ads that are biased/misinforming/irrelevant

I figured there are others who might favor the capacity to avoid certain promotions or to signal them likewise as YouTube or on Facebook.
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Celogan
Reel Rookie

Re: Reporting ads that are biased/misinforming/irrelevant

My wife and I are upset with the commercials bordering on soft Porn advertising lingerie

They don't allow you to skip those ads

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RokuDanny-R
Retired Moderator

Re: Reporting ads that are biased/misinforming/irrelevant

@Celogan 

Thanks for the post.

Can you please clarify the issue you are reporting? What channel are you seeing these commercials play on? Please be aware that each channel is responsible for the commercials being shown.

With more information we will be able to assist you further.


Thanks,
Danny

Danny R.
Roku Community Moderator
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fluke
Roku Guru

Re: Reporting ads that are biased/misinforming/irrelevant

I watch Newsy three different ways, via Roku, via Android and via YouTube using a web browser.

The ads that are displayed are unique to each platform.  Also, on Roku some of the ads are interactive.  To me this suggests that Newsy is leaving it up to each platform to provide the ads.

Only on Roku do I keep getting ads for "Root Car Insurance."  The ad isn't biased, misinforming or irrelevant.  However, the ad at this point is disturbing.  It tries to establish context for Bubba Wallace.  In doing so they keep flashing hate symbols.  In some cases the ad is played (only on Roku) three times in a row.

I don't mind them trying to promote their product and I also like that they are standing by Bubba Wallace.  However, after Jan 6th, I really wish I had a way to opt out of ever seeing this specific ad ever again.  There has to be a better way for them to deliver their message.

Most of the websites I visit for news have an "Ad Choices" icon on the corner of the ads.  When I click on it I am then provided which ad network is distributing the ad and options to opt-out including feedback choices.  It is disappointing there is no similar concept on Roku.

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audilee311
Newbie

Re: Reporting ads that are biased/misinforming/irrelevant

Where can we go to report commercials  that are playing while we're watching a family show and my children are watching? It's sexually harassing/misconduct to minors.  @RokuDanny-R 

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