Adfree Cities
@adfreecities.bsky.social
A network of groups challenging corporate outdoor advertising and reclaiming public space for art, community and nature. Find us at www.adfreecities.org.uk & hello@adfreecities.org.uk
Listen to the Adfree Cities podcast: https://bit.ly/3YKWoW8
Listen to the Adfree Cities podcast: https://bit.ly/3YKWoW8
Pinned
Job Vacancy: Big Oil Creative Campaigner - Adfree Cities
Location: Bristol-based.Days per week: 3 days per week.Start Date: Late February 2026 / March 2026Salary: £34,000 pro-rata (see below for details)Contract: 2 year fixed term contract - with the possib...
adfreecities.org.uk
📣We're hiring!📣
We're looking for a creative campaigner to join our small, dynamic team to support our efforts countering the influence of Big Oil.
Find full details and job description here: adfreecities.org.uk/work-with-us...
We're looking for a creative campaigner to join our small, dynamic team to support our efforts countering the influence of Big Oil.
Find full details and job description here: adfreecities.org.uk/work-with-us...
We were pleased to see the Prime Minister championing the Pride in Place Strategy last week which aims to give more control to local people to improve their neighbourhoods & high streets - but this should be more ambitious that litter picking! People don't want outdoor ads in their public spaces
Why are the government so worried about our high streets and how can restricting advertising help? - Adfree Cities
The ‘death of the high street’ is never far from the political agenda. Recent research from Southampton University found that people feel high streets have declined more than any other part of their l...
adfreecities.org.uk
February 9, 2026 at 2:42 PM
We were pleased to see the Prime Minister championing the Pride in Place Strategy last week which aims to give more control to local people to improve their neighbourhoods & high streets - but this should be more ambitious that litter picking! People don't want outdoor ads in their public spaces
We are very pleased that the Nutrient Profiling Model has been updated - this identifies which foods & drinks are unhealthy & should not be promoted. With local policies in place there can be fewer unhealthy ads on our streets & more space for healthy products ✅But ideally we need a national ban ❌
Today the government has published an update to the Nutrient Profiling Model ending years of waiting for this fundamental tool to catch up with modern dietary advice.
Read our Executive Director, Katharine Jenner’s response below & find out more here ⬇️ obesityhealthalliance.org.uk/2026/01/27/g...
Read our Executive Director, Katharine Jenner’s response below & find out more here ⬇️ obesityhealthalliance.org.uk/2026/01/27/g...
Government Publishes Long-Awaited Update to Nutrient Profiling Model - Obesity Health Alliance
Today an update to the Nutrient Profiling Model has been published, ending the long wait for this fundamental tool to be brought in line with the latest dietary guidance. The Nutrient Profiling Model...
obesityhealthalliance.org.uk
February 2, 2026 at 12:03 PM
We are very pleased that the Nutrient Profiling Model has been updated - this identifies which foods & drinks are unhealthy & should not be promoted. With local policies in place there can be fewer unhealthy ads on our streets & more space for healthy products ✅But ideally we need a national ban ❌
More applications for ads in #Cardiff - if you live, work or play there support @adblockcardiff.bsky.social by sending in objections to show that these neighbourhoods are #BetterWithoutBillboards
Two more proposed public advertising sites for you to oppose, both of them in #Grangetown... Get those objections in, folks!
1️⃣ - Sloper Road: www.cardiffidoxcloud.wales/publicaccess...
2️⃣ - Corporation Road: www.cardiffidoxcloud.wales/publicaccess...
#Cardiff #Caerdydd
#AdvertisingShitsInYourHead
1️⃣ - Sloper Road: www.cardiffidoxcloud.wales/publicaccess...
2️⃣ - Corporation Road: www.cardiffidoxcloud.wales/publicaccess...
#Cardiff #Caerdydd
#AdvertisingShitsInYourHead
February 2, 2026 at 11:55 AM
More applications for ads in #Cardiff - if you live, work or play there support @adblockcardiff.bsky.social by sending in objections to show that these neighbourhoods are #BetterWithoutBillboards
Are there local elections taking place near you this May? 🗳️
Want candidates to commit to restricting harmful outdoor advertising & getting this on the political agenda? ✅
Get involved & take action: adfreecities.org.uk/2026/01/may-...
Want candidates to commit to restricting harmful outdoor advertising & getting this on the political agenda? ✅
Get involved & take action: adfreecities.org.uk/2026/01/may-...
January 26, 2026 at 11:09 AM
Are there local elections taking place near you this May? 🗳️
Want candidates to commit to restricting harmful outdoor advertising & getting this on the political agenda? ✅
Get involved & take action: adfreecities.org.uk/2026/01/may-...
Want candidates to commit to restricting harmful outdoor advertising & getting this on the political agenda? ✅
Get involved & take action: adfreecities.org.uk/2026/01/may-...
The role will focus on designing and delivering creative campaigns that challenge the power Big Oil wields through its advertising, marketing and PR, as well as lobbying policymakers for restrictions on fossil fuel advertising.
Ideally, the successful candidate would be Bristol-based.
Ideally, the successful candidate would be Bristol-based.
January 13, 2026 at 12:32 PM
The role will focus on designing and delivering creative campaigns that challenge the power Big Oil wields through its advertising, marketing and PR, as well as lobbying policymakers for restrictions on fossil fuel advertising.
Ideally, the successful candidate would be Bristol-based.
Ideally, the successful candidate would be Bristol-based.
📣We're hiring!📣
We're looking for a creative campaigner to join our small, dynamic team to support our efforts countering the influence of Big Oil.
Find full details and job description here: adfreecities.org.uk/work-with-us...
We're looking for a creative campaigner to join our small, dynamic team to support our efforts countering the influence of Big Oil.
Find full details and job description here: adfreecities.org.uk/work-with-us...
Job Vacancy: Big Oil Creative Campaigner - Adfree Cities
Location: Bristol-based.Days per week: 3 days per week.Start Date: Late February 2026 / March 2026Salary: £34,000 pro-rata (see below for details)Contract: 2 year fixed term contract - with the possib...
adfreecities.org.uk
January 13, 2026 at 12:32 PM
📣We're hiring!📣
We're looking for a creative campaigner to join our small, dynamic team to support our efforts countering the influence of Big Oil.
Find full details and job description here: adfreecities.org.uk/work-with-us...
We're looking for a creative campaigner to join our small, dynamic team to support our efforts countering the influence of Big Oil.
Find full details and job description here: adfreecities.org.uk/work-with-us...
We’ve joined @oha-updates.bsky.social & others to welcome new rules restricting junk food ads on TV & online. This is a big step forward acknowledging the impact of advertising on public health - But there's more to do to include outdoor ads & remove 'brand' exemptions for healthier public spaces
Open Letter to Secretaries of State Urges Tougher Junk Food Advertising Rules to Protect Children - Obesity Health Alliance
The Obesity Health Alliance has written to the Secretaries of State for Health and Social Care and for Culture, Media and Sport to welcome the introduction of the Less Healthy Food and Drink Advertisi...
obesityhealthalliance.org.uk
January 6, 2026 at 10:37 AM
We’ve joined @oha-updates.bsky.social & others to welcome new rules restricting junk food ads on TV & online. This is a big step forward acknowledging the impact of advertising on public health - But there's more to do to include outdoor ads & remove 'brand' exemptions for healthier public spaces
Calling Penarth adblockers! 📢Here is how you can object to this ad screen before Jan 12th: adfreecities.org.uk/how-to-creat... #OurSpaceNotAdSpace
January 6, 2026 at 10:27 AM
Calling Penarth adblockers! 📢Here is how you can object to this ad screen before Jan 12th: adfreecities.org.uk/how-to-creat... #OurSpaceNotAdSpace
While the festive season remains culturally sacred, Amazon’s Black Friday-January Sales juggernaut of consumerism is uniting campaigners - Adfree's Robbie Gillett writes for @redpeppermag.bsky.social #MakeAmazonPay @ethical-consumer.bsky.social www.redpepper.org.uk/economics-un...
Amazon and the cost of Christmas - Red Pepper
Amazon’s Black Friday-January Sales juggernaut of consumerism is uniting campaigners against the corporation's varied crimes
www.redpepper.org.uk
December 22, 2025 at 9:55 AM
While the festive season remains culturally sacred, Amazon’s Black Friday-January Sales juggernaut of consumerism is uniting campaigners - Adfree's Robbie Gillett writes for @redpeppermag.bsky.social #MakeAmazonPay @ethical-consumer.bsky.social www.redpepper.org.uk/economics-un...
Calling all #Cardiff Adblockers - here is another sneaky application just in time for #Christmas 🎁 Get objecting to keep your public spaces free from ads ✅
🚨 ADVERT APPLICATION ALERT! 🚨
Plans have been submitted for a massive new ad screen on North Road, next to the Maindy leisure centre. Details below. Lodge an objection ASAP!
www.cardiffidoxcloud.wales/publicaccess...
#AdvertisingShitsInYourHead
#Cardiff #Caerdydd #Cathays #Gabalfa
Plans have been submitted for a massive new ad screen on North Road, next to the Maindy leisure centre. Details below. Lodge an objection ASAP!
www.cardiffidoxcloud.wales/publicaccess...
#AdvertisingShitsInYourHead
#Cardiff #Caerdydd #Cathays #Gabalfa
December 15, 2025 at 4:05 PM
Calling all #Cardiff Adblockers - here is another sneaky application just in time for #Christmas 🎁 Get objecting to keep your public spaces free from ads ✅
This is exactly why we are calling for restrictions on harmful ads on our streets & in our public spaces where we have not consented to seeing them & can't turn them off! 😶 This is a public health issue that the Government must address & listen to people not advertisers 😡
🎯
Very sick of passing this bus stop ad with my little ones this month (obviously they think it’s great - ‘Santa!!’)
If junk food ads on tv are worth regulating then junk food ads outdoors are too
Very sick of passing this bus stop ad with my little ones this month (obviously they think it’s great - ‘Santa!!’)
If junk food ads on tv are worth regulating then junk food ads outdoors are too
December 10, 2025 at 1:16 PM
This is exactly why we are calling for restrictions on harmful ads on our streets & in our public spaces where we have not consented to seeing them & can't turn them off! 😶 This is a public health issue that the Government must address & listen to people not advertisers 😡
We were very happy to be involved supporting the recommendation to restrict unhealthy food and drink advertising to address #publichealth
December 9, 2025 at 4:12 PM
We were very happy to be involved supporting the recommendation to restrict unhealthy food and drink advertising to address #publichealth
However, businesses can still:
1. Ensure that they are advertising healthier products across all media channels 🍏
2. Learn from the Councils which have HFSS bans or healthier ad frameworks to promote healthy products 🚫
3. Shift promotional spend and creative towards minimally processed foods ➡️
1. Ensure that they are advertising healthier products across all media channels 🍏
2. Learn from the Councils which have HFSS bans or healthier ad frameworks to promote healthy products 🚫
3. Shift promotional spend and creative towards minimally processed foods ➡️
December 8, 2025 at 12:45 PM
However, businesses can still:
1. Ensure that they are advertising healthier products across all media channels 🍏
2. Learn from the Councils which have HFSS bans or healthier ad frameworks to promote healthy products 🚫
3. Shift promotional spend and creative towards minimally processed foods ➡️
1. Ensure that they are advertising healthier products across all media channels 🍏
2. Learn from the Councils which have HFSS bans or healthier ad frameworks to promote healthy products 🚫
3. Shift promotional spend and creative towards minimally processed foods ➡️
"Advertising, marketing and promotion are the cultural wallpaper that form the backdrop to our cultural, social and individual attitudes towards food, yet this is currently heavily skewed towards promoting less healthy and less sustainable food."
December 8, 2025 at 12:40 PM
"Advertising, marketing and promotion are the cultural wallpaper that form the backdrop to our cultural, social and individual attitudes towards food, yet this is currently heavily skewed towards promoting less healthy and less sustainable food."
"McDonald’s is by far the largest spender on outdoor
advertising, spending a total of £86 million in 2024,
an increase of 71% between 2024 and 2021. This is
three times more spend on outdoor advertising than
KFC, and four times more than Mondelez." (who own Cadbury, Oreo etc.)
advertising, spending a total of £86 million in 2024,
an increase of 71% between 2024 and 2021. This is
three times more spend on outdoor advertising than
KFC, and four times more than Mondelez." (who own Cadbury, Oreo etc.)
December 8, 2025 at 12:40 PM
"McDonald’s is by far the largest spender on outdoor
advertising, spending a total of £86 million in 2024,
an increase of 71% between 2024 and 2021. This is
three times more spend on outdoor advertising than
KFC, and four times more than Mondelez." (who own Cadbury, Oreo etc.)
advertising, spending a total of £86 million in 2024,
an increase of 71% between 2024 and 2021. This is
three times more spend on outdoor advertising than
KFC, and four times more than Mondelez." (who own Cadbury, Oreo etc.)
"... food business have increased their spend on outdoor advertising by over a quarter (28%) between 2021 & 2024... Of the top 20 outdoor advertisers by spend in 2024, almost half (45%) were food companies, with... two fast food outlets & 5 manufacturers featuring in the top 20 biggest spenders."
December 8, 2025 at 12:35 PM
"... food business have increased their spend on outdoor advertising by over a quarter (28%) between 2021 & 2024... Of the top 20 outdoor advertisers by spend in 2024, almost half (45%) were food companies, with... two fast food outlets & 5 manufacturers featuring in the top 20 biggest spenders."
"Outdoor advertising for food appears to be increasing ahead of the forthcoming ban on TV and online, with advertising by food businesses 12.2% of total outdoor advertising in 2024, up from 9.5% in 2021...spend on food & drink combined rises to over a fifth of all outdoor advertising (21%) in 2024."
December 8, 2025 at 12:23 PM
"Outdoor advertising for food appears to be increasing ahead of the forthcoming ban on TV and online, with advertising by food businesses 12.2% of total outdoor advertising in 2024, up from 9.5% in 2021...spend on food & drink combined rises to over a fifth of all outdoor advertising (21%) in 2024."
"For children, outdoor advertising provides the second largest source of exposure to food advertising (30.3%) after television advertising, and accounts for the largest source of HFSS food advertising (40.0%)" (NIHR, 2024) www.fundingawards.nihr.ac.uk/award/NIHR20...
Search - NIHR Funding and Awards
www.fundingawards.nihr.ac.uk
December 8, 2025 at 12:20 PM
"For children, outdoor advertising provides the second largest source of exposure to food advertising (30.3%) after television advertising, and accounts for the largest source of HFSS food advertising (40.0%)" (NIHR, 2024) www.fundingawards.nihr.ac.uk/award/NIHR20...
"Outdoor advertising spend by food companies increased by 28% between 2021 and 2024 in the years following the government’s announcement in July 2020 of a forthcoming ban on TV and online advertising. McDonald’s increased outdoor advertising spend by 71% between 2021 and 2024."
The State of the Nation's Food Industry report 2025
The Food Foundation's State of the Nation’s Food Industry report 2025
foodfoundation.org.uk
December 8, 2025 at 12:17 PM
"Outdoor advertising spend by food companies increased by 28% between 2021 and 2024 in the years following the government’s announcement in July 2020 of a forthcoming ban on TV and online advertising. McDonald’s increased outdoor advertising spend by 71% between 2021 and 2024."
The latest State of the Nation report from @foodfoundation.bsky.social includes how the industry are already ramping up outdoor ads to target children & disadvantaged communities who already have worse health outcomes - here are some key stats from the report: 🧵
🚨 How do we stop the food industry from using loopholes to advertise junk food to children and young people?
Our Head of Food Business Transformation Rebecca
Tobi speaking about our new State of the Nation's Food Industry report on Times Radio ⬇️
🔗 bit.ly/3XuoFjr
Our Head of Food Business Transformation Rebecca
Tobi speaking about our new State of the Nation's Food Industry report on Times Radio ⬇️
🔗 bit.ly/3XuoFjr
December 8, 2025 at 12:15 PM
The latest State of the Nation report from @foodfoundation.bsky.social includes how the industry are already ramping up outdoor ads to target children & disadvantaged communities who already have worse health outcomes - here are some key stats from the report: 🧵
Note that the SUV in this clip is a Toyota.
Our complaint got a Toyota ad banned in 2023 for "disregard[ing] their impact on nature and the environment".
This is not what we want to see from our public broadcaster.
Our complaint got a Toyota ad banned in 2023 for "disregard[ing] their impact on nature and the environment".
This is not what we want to see from our public broadcaster.
Another day another SUV ad from the BBC.
Gone Fishing is supposed to be a celebration of the countryside, does it really need an extended clip of a massive SUV fording a river for no reason? Save it for Top Gear!
Gone Fishing is supposed to be a celebration of the countryside, does it really need an extended clip of a massive SUV fording a river for no reason? Save it for Top Gear!
December 1, 2025 at 1:45 PM
Note that the SUV in this clip is a Toyota.
Our complaint got a Toyota ad banned in 2023 for "disregard[ing] their impact on nature and the environment".
This is not what we want to see from our public broadcaster.
Our complaint got a Toyota ad banned in 2023 for "disregard[ing] their impact on nature and the environment".
This is not what we want to see from our public broadcaster.
Reposted by Adfree Cities
Another day another SUV ad from the BBC.
Gone Fishing is supposed to be a celebration of the countryside, does it really need an extended clip of a massive SUV fording a river for no reason? Save it for Top Gear!
Gone Fishing is supposed to be a celebration of the countryside, does it really need an extended clip of a massive SUV fording a river for no reason? Save it for Top Gear!
December 1, 2025 at 10:36 AM
Another day another SUV ad from the BBC.
Gone Fishing is supposed to be a celebration of the countryside, does it really need an extended clip of a massive SUV fording a river for no reason? Save it for Top Gear!
Gone Fishing is supposed to be a celebration of the countryside, does it really need an extended clip of a massive SUV fording a river for no reason? Save it for Top Gear!
We're incredibly thrilled to be speaking at this #COP30 side-event on the harms of fossil fuel advertising.
Join from anywhere using the livestream link in the post below 🔗👇💚
Join from anywhere using the livestream link in the post below 🔗👇💚
#FossilFuel reliance poses a serious risk to human health.
At this #COP30 side event, public health, human rights, & energy experts join forces to highlight the #climate & human risks of fossil fuels + how policy-makers can take action.
Learn more & save the date: www.iisd.org/events/cop30...
At this #COP30 side event, public health, human rights, & energy experts join forces to highlight the #climate & human risks of fossil fuels + how policy-makers can take action.
Learn more & save the date: www.iisd.org/events/cop30...
November 18, 2025 at 10:43 AM
We're incredibly thrilled to be speaking at this #COP30 side-event on the harms of fossil fuel advertising.
Join from anywhere using the livestream link in the post below 🔗👇💚
Join from anywhere using the livestream link in the post below 🔗👇💚
Planning application alert in #Cardiff 📢 Stop this huge screen from distracting drivers & causing unnecessary light pollution - OBJECT NOW!
🚨 PLANNING ALERT! 🚨
Proposed new ad board near the junction of Newport Road & Albany Road in #Roath #Plasnewydd #Adamsdown. It would be MASSIVE - see guide below, as tall as three people.
Object here: www.cardiffidoxcloud.wales/publicaccess...
#Cardiff #Caerdydd
#AdvertisingShitsInYourHead
Proposed new ad board near the junction of Newport Road & Albany Road in #Roath #Plasnewydd #Adamsdown. It would be MASSIVE - see guide below, as tall as three people.
Object here: www.cardiffidoxcloud.wales/publicaccess...
#Cardiff #Caerdydd
#AdvertisingShitsInYourHead
November 17, 2025 at 5:13 PM
Planning application alert in #Cardiff 📢 Stop this huge screen from distracting drivers & causing unnecessary light pollution - OBJECT NOW!