New Business

New to TV advertising?

If you’re new to TV advertising or haven’t worked with us in a while, we’re here to guide you through the process of getting your ad from script to air.

Our senior copy group executives, Jonathan and Micky, are available to assist new agencies and those we work with less frequently. Whether you're preparing your campaign or ready to submit, they can answer your questions and provide support. You can also refer to our Clearcast welcome brochure for media companies, advertisers, and agencies.

To contact Jonathan or Micky, email new.business@clearcast.co.uk (please include your contact details) or call 020 7339 4700 and ask for the New Business Team. This service is free of charge.

Getting Started with The Library

The Library is our online clearance system, where you'll submit your scripts, rough cuts, and final TVCs (Television Commercials) for approval. It also serves as a central hub for communication, including messages and feedback.

For New Agencies or Companies:

Register Your Agency: A senior person with appropriate authority (e.g., Managing Director, Finance Director, Head of TV Admin) must complete our registration form.

Sign User Terms: After submitting the form, we will send you our user terms for The Library, which must be digitally signed and returned.

Designate Org Admins: You’ll need to designate Organisation Admins who will manage your account, including setting up additional users and overseeing submissions.

For Existing Organisations:

If you’re at an organisation already registered on The Library and need a login, contact your Organisation Admin. They will create a user login for you. If you’re unsure who the Org Admin is, reach out to us at help@clearcast.co.uk for assistance.

Sky AdSmart SME 100

If you're submitting an ad through the Sky AdSmart SME 100 scheme, follow the standard process but make sure to reference it in the script and video stages.

• Script Submission: Highlight your participation in the Sky AdSmart SME 100 scheme in the script description section.
• Video Submission: Use the same description field to reference your submission ID from the approved script. Contact your Clearcast representative, assigned after registration, for any questions.

FAQs

How do I submit my ad to Clearcast?

To work with us, you need to register for The Library, our online clearance system. This platform should be used for submitting all pre-production materials (scripts, rough cuts, and other preliminary version of your ad) as well as final production materials (clocked TVCs). Please avoid sending materials via email. For details on how to get started, refer to the section ‘Getting Started with The Library’ above.

Who can register with Clearcast?

Anyone, including ad agencies, clients, post-production houses, freelancers, and PR companies, can register. We request one point of contact to streamline communications.

How much does it cost to clear an ad?

Clearance is free if your ad is transmitted on a channel we clear for. For a list of channels, see our channel list. If your ad is going out on a channel we don’t clear for, you should approach the channel directly for clearance.

What are the regulations for TV advertising in the UK?

All ads must comply with either the BCAP or CAP codes, depending on where they will be shown. Ads seen in normal airtime (‘Linear’ ads) must comply with the BCAP code, while ads shown on the ‘On Demand’ platforms (‘VOD’ ads) must comply with the CAP code.

What’s the process?

Clearance is a three-stage process. You need to submit a script to us first using our template (this is a written breakdown of your ad). When this has been approved, a rough-cut should be submitted so we can check that you’re in line with the approved script. And the final stage is submitting the finished version of the ad to us for approval. The rough cut stage is recommended but not compulsory. For a more detailed breakdown, please click here.

My ad is already made so can I skip the script clearance stage?

No, even if your ad has already been made, you need to submit a script first before submitting the ad itself so that we can perform the necessary checks and request supporting evidence (what’s known as ‘substantiation’) for any claims being made in the ad.

How long should I leave for a clearance?

You should leave at least two weeks for clearance of the script but please note clearance could take longer if the script is particularly complex or requires a considerable amount of substantiation. Clearance of the ads themselves usually takes two-three working days as long as the ad is in line with the approved script and there aren’t any technical issues uploading it onto our system.

Can anyone at my company submit to Clearcast?

Yes, but each person must have their own login. Logins are created by the Organisation Admin, not by Clearcast. 

What else can Clearcast help with? 

We offer additional services:

• Clearcast Training Courses: Learn about our processes to save time and improve efficiency.
• Meet the Consultants: Discuss complex claims before script submission.
• Copy Development: Get help shaping your ad concepts, creative ideas and claims.
• International Compliance: Contact our TV Admin team for help with ads in other countries.

If your query isn’t covered above, visit our detailed FAQs or email new.business@clearcast.co.uk.

Clearcast is neutral to broadcasters, agencies, and production houses, and no organisation receives preferential terms. The Library is an independent system, not integrated with any advertising agency, production house or advertising services systems. Where opportunities arise for integration they will be made available to third parties on equal terms.