Content Policies

Ads May NOT:

  • Resemble Windows error messages or contain actionable site navigation buttons that may confuse users.
  • Appear to make the page look broken or as if something is not working.
  • Utilize "Focus" commands to make the ad the active window when the creative loads (i.e. automatically entering the cursor into the creative and/or inserting the I-beam cursor into an editable text field in the creative).
  • Utilize fake "Close" buttons. Close buttons must function.
  • Utilize "mouse trapping," whereby the advertiser does not allow use of the back button and traps users on their site.
  • Contain copy that is misleading or inaccurate.
  • Facilitate or promote hate speech, whether directed at an individual or a group, and whether based upon the race, sex, creed, national origin, religious affiliation, sexual orientation or language of such individual or group.
  • Contain obscene, profane, libelous or slanderous text or images.
  • Contain any adult and/or borderline adult content (images or text), whether directly or indirectly promoted.
  • Allow a user to rate an image of a person in a banner.
  • Promote gambling, where the user will play for money or property.
  • Promote products or services from uncertified pharmacies.
  • Promote web-based degree programs from non-accredited colleges.
  • Promote or facilitate defamatory or illegal activities.
  • Contain creative materials promoting political agendas.
  • Contain creative with religion and spirituality advice-related content.
  • Contain creative with personals/dating content.
  • Contain creative with sex advice-related content.
  • Contain creative materials promoting sites and services which compete with the CBS Television Distribution websites and/or services.
  • Contain viruses, worms, corrupted files, cracks or other materials that are intended to or may damage or render inoperable software, hardware or security measures of the CBS Television Distribution websites.
  • Ads containing alcoholic beverages will be determined on a case by case basis.

Creative Materials shall also adhere to the following creative guidelines:

  • Creative that resembles the visual style of the content area and/or the CBS Television Distribution website on which it is displayed is prohibited.
  • Pop-up and pop-under ads are not allowed and cannot be used as part of an ad’s destination/landing page on any CBS Television Distribution site.
  • Creative shall not contain excessive punctuation (multiple question marks, exclamation points, etc.).
  • Ads must have a border or otherwise clearly stand out from the CBS Television Distribution website on which they are displayed. For example, white ads must have a border when displayed on a white background.
  • Creative materials must identify the advertiser and/or the product or service that is being promoted.
  • Editors' ratings used in an ad must apply to the version of the product being promoted in the ad. Older ratings must not be applied to newer versions of the products. The rating must be accompanied by the date the product was reviewed and the rating issued.
  • Language such as "Recommended" or "Most Popular Download" must include date and source attribution.
  • Preferred maximum initial download file weight is 39k.
  • All ads must target a new browser window upon click.
  • All ads must be supported in the following minimum versions: Internet Explorer 8, Firefox 3.6, Safari 4, Chrone 13 and by Flash Player 8, 9 and 10.