Are there no truth in advertising rules anymore? I’m referring to a new spot that’s voiced by Ted Woloshyn on ’RB and the exact same copy by John Oakley on AM 640. Now normally, I just tune ads out on the radio, but this one has an opening line that I find especially egregious. It’s simply made up and has no real provable basis in reality.
 
You’ve probably heard it by now. It begins with the line:
 
“It’s common knowledge that Tom Mihalik of Tom’s Place is the undisputed world champion of suits.”
 
Now, I’m no expert, but it’s common knowledge that the sky is blue. It’s common knowledge that Ottawa is the capital of Canada. It’s common knowledge that the Ontario government is excellent at wasting your money. It is NOT common knowledge and never has been that Mr. Mihalik is anything like what his latest commercial contends. (And never mind the completely unsubstantiated and unproven claim that he’s the “undisputed world champion” of anything. I would invite him to provide evidence of such a statement.)   
 
Every advertiser makes outrageous claims about how wonderful they are and what a big bargain you’ll get from them. But this one really annoys me because the statement made is anything BUT common knowledge. In fact, it’s completely made up, defeating the very idea of the phrase.
 
Truth in advertising? Maybe I’m overreacting, but doesn’t that matter anymore?