The committee was formed originally to accredit advertising agencies that apply to the MAJ to place advertising with its members on behalf of their clients. Twelve advertising agencies are now accredited.

The additional responsibilities of the committee are as a result of the long-time difficulties media have been experiencing in collecting sums owed for the placing of advertising from agencies and direct clients.

The MAJ indicates that while the Advertising Agencies Association of Jamaica (AAAJ) has been working to improve the situation, the position of media members has been worsening. The association says that with severe economic pressure, suppliers reducing or removing credit, the decline in the value of the dollar and margins for media houses already very thin, payment issues can have calamitous implications on its members.

No option

The MAJ, therefore, has been left with no option but to insist on full compliance with the established credit terms by October 15, 2009. Invoices are due and payable on the 5th of the month following the month in which the billing is made. The AAAJ has agreed to work towards this deadline for the benefit of the advertising industry.

The MAJ stressed that it would work, within reason, with those agencies which are affected by late-paying clients.