Terms of Business

1. All advertisements are placed and all orders are accepted subject to the terms and conditions as hereinafter set out provided that South China Morning Post Publishers Limited (SCMP) expressly reserves its right to amend, vary, replace or cancel any of such terms and conditions without prior notice to the advertiser and the advertiser is deemed to have express knowledge of and be bound by such terms and conditions. No terms sought to be applied by the advertiser to any order for advertising shall be binding upon SCMP. Advertising orders for space will not be considered as contracts.
2. SCMP reserves the right to reject, decline or refuse to publish in whole or in part of or the right to amend any advertisement (whether in print or digital version) with or without notice to the advertiser where in SCMP sole opinion SCMP considers necessary or desirable, and SCMP shall not in any way be liable for any loss or damage arising as a result of non-publication or amendment as aforesaid (nor shall any refund of or deduction from the costs of the advertisement or any other compensation be granted by SCMP to the advertiser in the event of such non-publication or amendment). SCMP accepts no liability whatsoever for any omission or inaccuracy or failure of colour printing in any published advertisement whether or not a proof has been supplied and whether or not such omission or inaccuracy or failure is attributable to the neglect or default of SCMP, its employees, directors, officers, consultants, agents and contractors. Where the advertiser requires that its name and address or other information shall not be disclosed and SCMP shall have been so notified by the advertiser on placement of its order SCMP shall use reasonable endeavours to ensure the same except such information (i) becomes public knowledge through no fault of SCMP or SCMP’s employees and/or officers (where applicable); or (ii) is required to be disclosed by law, any regulatory or governmental authority or pursuant to a judicial order.
3. SCMP shall have the absolute right at any time to determine, adjust or vary the rate of charges and classification applicable to all advertisements placed. Published rates and charges and those set out on any order form or acknowledgement may be varied by SCMP at any time without notice prior to invoicing. Quotations given by SCMP shall not in any way be binding on SCMP.
4. Acceptance of an advertisement for publication does not constitute a binding commitment or any representation or warranty on SCMP’s part to publish the same either at all or on any specified date or dates and does not constitute nor create any representation or warranty that SCMP endorse the content or accuracy of the same. SCMP shall not be liable for any loss, costs or expenses incurred by non-publication (including non-publication attributable to strikes, lock-outs, mechanical or production difficulties or any other cause beyond the control of SCMP) or by publication of an advertisement cancelled in accordance with provisions of Clause 8 hereof or publication on a date or position or manner materially different from that specified by the advertiser on placement of its order. SCMP’s liability shall in case of non-publication be limited to refund of the charge of the advertisement and in all other cases as aforesaid SCMP shall have the option either to grant a refund of such proportion of the charge as shall in SCMP’s sole opinion be reasonable or in lieu of such refund and at SCMP’s absolute discretion to publish the advertisement as soon as reasonably practicable. In the case of colour advertisements, publication shall be deemed correct unless more than 10% of copies circulated have incorrect colour(s). The advertiser shall be obliged to furnish SCMP with reasonable evidence of this within 48 hours of publication.
5. SCMP shall use reasonable endeavours to accept orders if they are received at the location and by the time specified by SCMP from time to time for that type of advertisement. All advertisement copy and artwork must be received by the latest receipt time specified by SCMP which may be varied by SCMP without notice and SCMP shall have the right to refuse to accept any orders or to decline or refuse to publish any orders if the advertisement copy and artwork of such orders shall not have been received by SCMP by the latest receipt time as aforesaid and SCMP shall in no event be liable for any loss or damage arising as a result of non-publication hereunder.
6. Advertisements of certain sizes and shapes only are normally accepted but advertisements of other sizes and shapes may be accepted subject to special terms.
7. To the extent permitted by, and in accordance with all applicable laws, rules and regulations, SCMP shall take reasonable steps to ensure that competitive advertising does not appear on the same page or facing pages. However due to space limitations no assurance of any kind can be given and SCMP shall not be under any liability whatsoever if the same occurs.
8. Cancellations will be accepted if noticed in writing by the advertiser and received by SCMP at its Head Office before the time specified by SCMP from time to time as the order deadline in accordance with the provisions of Clause 5 hereof.
9. Artwork for advertising material must be fully pasted up and presented to SCMP as positive film or as digital file in such format as SCMP may from time to time direct. Large areas of solid black may be stripped or lined at SCMP’s absolute discretion.
10. Late delivery of copy/artwork or non-compliance with cancellation procedures specified as aforesaid will result in forfeiture of the space booked and, in addition, SCMP shall have the express right to recover from the advertiser the full cost of the advertisement placed.
11. SCMP shall not accept any responsibility for damage to or loss of artwork or any other documents or material supplied for the purpose of an advertisement. Advertising material not claimed within three months of the publication date or proposed publication date will be disposed of without further notice.
12. In the event that the collaboration between SCMP and the advertiser and/or its advertising agent(s) hereunder involves the use, access, handling or otherwise of any personal data, the advertiser and/or its advertising agent(s) warrants and undertakes that: (i) they shall comply with all relevant law, rules and regulations including but not limited to the Personal Data (Privacy) Ordinance (Chapter 486 of the Laws of Hong Kong); (ii) they shall obtain the consent from the data subject to transfer their personal data to SCMP for the purpose of this Terms of Business; (iii) they shall not retain such data longer than necessary for the purpose(s) as authorized and shall take all reasonable measures to prevent any unauthorized and/ or accidental use, access, erasure, loss, modification or processing of the same; (iv) they shall be solely and fully responsible for any complaint or claim from any individual and/or entity regarding use of its or their personal data; and (v) they shall indemnify SCMP for any and all loss, damage, suits, costs and liabilities which may be incurred by or brought against SCMP in relation to (a) breach of any provision of this Clause 12 by the advertiser and/or its advertising agent(s), and/or (b) any complaint or claim as referred to in Clause 12(iv) above.
13. The advertiser and/or its advertising agent(s) shall indemnify and keep indemnified SCMP, its directors, officers, employees, agents and contractors (collectively the “Indemnified Parties” and each an “Indemnified Party”) in respect of all loss, damage, costs and expenses including legal fees arising directly or indirectly from: (i) the publication of an advertisement on instructions from the advertiser and/or its advertising agent(s); (ii) a breach of any of the terms, conditions or warranties hereunder by the advertiser and/or its advertising agent(s); and (iii) any third party claims against any of the Indemnified Parties because of (i) or (ii) above. In any case where a claim is or may be made or threatened against any of the Indemnified Parties which SCMP knows of, SCMP will give notice in writing to the advertiser and/or its advertising agent(s) and will take reasonable steps to consult with the advertiser and/or its advertising agent(s) before any claim is settled, defended or otherwise determined provided that a failure to consult shall not affect the advertiser’s and/or its advertising agent(s)’ liability hereunder.
14. The submission of any form of advertisement constitutes a warranty by the advertiser to SCMP that it has all necessary authorities and permissions for the insertion thereof and that the advertisement or any part thereof or the publication of the advertisement does not contain any content, material, information or language that is inappropriate, misleading, offensive, inaccurate, fraudulent, violent, sexual, pornography, obscene, discriminatory, inflammatory, defamatory, libelous, slanderous, politically related unless it is not biased or in any way infringe any copyright or any other intellectual property or related rights of any third party or contravene, violate or constitute a breach of any applicable laws or any codes, regulations, guidelines, guidance notes, leaflets, restrictions or prohibitions issued or imposed by the relevant Government authorities, statutory or regulatory bodies or otherwise (collectively the “Laws and Regulations”). In this connection, (i) the advertiser shall and shall procure its advertising agent(s) to provide all required documents and take all necessary steps to SCMP as provided under the Laws and Regulations in order to assist SCMP in complying with the same; and (ii) the advertiser shall indemnify SCMP and/or any other relevant Indemnified Party in respect of any breach of this clause in accordance with the provisions of Clause 13 hereof.
15. The advertiser hereby grants a fully paid up, non-exclusive, royaltyfree, non-transferable and non-sublicensable licence to SCMP to use the advertiser’s logo(s), trademark(s) and/or trade name(s) as the advertiser permits for purposes of advertisement.
16. All cheques, money-orders, etc. should be made payable to South China Morning Post Publishers Limited. Rates are expressed in HK dollars but SCMP shall be entitled to receive payment in other currencies, the rate of conversion to HK dollars for payment shall be determined by SCMP from time to time.
17. The advertiser shall be invoiced at SCMP’s discretion either upon publication or monthly unless otherwise specified by SCMP. Terms of payment are net 30 days from the date of invoice. SCMP shall have the right to charge interest on any outstanding payment after the due date (without any further notice) at the rate of one percent (1%) per month from date of invoice on outstanding balance to date of receipt of payment by SCMP and in addition SCMP shall also be entitled to recover from the advertiser any costs and expenses (including all legal fees) incurred by SCMP in recovering any outstanding payment and interest thereon.
18. Subject to the terms upon which advertising agents are recognised by SCMP, such agents will be entitled to agency commission of fifteen percent (15%) on all rates.
19. The advertiser is liable at all times for payment of all advertising charges. Where a recognized advertising agent substitutes its order for that of the original advertiser or requires invoices addressed to the advertising agent, SCMP shall hold the agent and the original advertiser jointly and severally liable hereunder.
20. The advertiser and/or its advertising agent(s) shall keep SCMP fully indemnified and hold SCMP harmless from all taxes, duties, assessments, tariffs, levies, excises and charges imposed or resulting from any form of advertisement under this Terms of Business in any country or territory, including, without limitation, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (“Hong Kong”) and the People’s Republic of China (“PRC”). Without prejudice to the above,where applicable laws of Hong Kong and/or PRC provide that any withholding, income or other similar tax is to be imposed or applicable on any amount required to be paid by SCMP to you under this Terms of Business, SCMP shall pay such tax to the competent tax authority or authorities and shall be entitled to collect the amount of such tax from you.
21. Any claims pursuant to these terms must be made by the advertiser in writing within 48 hours after publication or date of agreed publication to the Advertising & Marketing Solutions Department at South China Morning Post, 19/F, Tower One, Times Square, 1 Matheson Street, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong and unless such claims shall have been received by SCMP within the time limit as aforesaid, all claims by the advertiser pursuant to the terms and conditions hereof shall be deemed to have been waived by the advertiser.
22. The advertiser and/or its advertising agent(s) agrees that SCMP may set off or transfer any sum outstanding to the credit of any one or more accounts maintained by the advertiser and/or its advertising agent(s) in or towards satisfaction of any of the advertisers and/or its advertising agent(s) liabilities to SCMP or in any other respect whatsoever whether such liabilities be present or future, actual or contingent, primary or collateral and several or joint. The advertiser and/or its advertising agent(s) waives all rights of subrogation and agrees not to claim any set off or counter claim against any other person liable or to prove in competition with SCMP in the event of the insolvency of such person or to have the benefit of or share in any outstanding debt receivable by SCMP. For the purpose of this Clause, the definition of SCMP shall be deemed to include its holding, subsidiary, fellow subsidiary, associated and affiliated companies.
23. No party shall be liable for any non-performance or delayed performance due to any circumstances beyond its control including but not limited to typhoon, rainstorm, earthquake, tsunami, fire, other acts of God, war, riot, protest, civil disobedience, public disorder, epidemic, pandemic, any cessation or interruption regarding any Internet or communication technologies or any governmental regulations, policies or measures.
24. Not all sections of all newspapers are sent to all readers.
25. The above Terms of Business are valid to the extent as permissible under applicable laws.
26. This Terms of Business shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of Hong Kong\

Service Level Agreements

Content

1. All campaigns require 3 business days to launch
2. All bookings must include a signed IO before activation can begin
3. All end of campaign reports will be provided 7 - 10 business days after the campaign end date

Display and video

1. A maximum of 3 asset versions per ad format per campaign
2. HPTO and 100% SOV and Flex campaigns are sold as CPD buys only
3. HPTO campaigns will require 7 business days to launch
4. All targeting and brand safety parameters must be provided prior to campaign launch
5. Blocking tags must allow for publisher passback
6. For discrepancy checked, client must provide 3rd party verification report sent to onlinematerial@scmp.com
7. All campaigns require 3 business days to launch
8. All booking must include a signed OP before activation can begin
9. All end of campaign reports will be provided 7 working days after campaign end date

Social

1. All campaigns without sub-editing require 3 business days to launch
2. All campaigns requiring sub-editing or copywriting require 7 business days to launch
3. All bookings must include a signed IO before activation can begin
4. All end of campaign reports will be provided 7 working days after campaign end date

EDMs/NLs

1. All campaigns require 3 business days to launch
2. All bookings must include a signed IO before activation can begin
3. All end of campaign reports will be provided 7 working days after campaign end date

Print

1. All Directory and Property Post campaigns work on 4pm deadline 1 business day before launch
2. All Directory and Property Post campaigns require 1 business day to launch
3. Classified post campaigns deadline is every Friday 4pm

Print - Newspaper ads

1. Tuesday - Saturday: All ads must be confirmed by 1pm for next day publication
2. Sunday - Monday: All ads must be confirmed by 4pm, Friday
3. Public Holiday: All ads must be confirmed by 4pm, 1 business day before
4. TWIA (Sunday): All ads must be confirmed by 5pm every Wednesday
5. Property Post (Every Weds): To be confirmed by Monday noon
6. All materials must be submitted by noon, 1 business day in advance
7. All images should be regular size. Bleeding not necessary; font sizes should be no less than 6 points and lines are 0.3 points or above
8. All images should be in PDF version 1.4 and high resolution of 300dpi

Print - Newspaper ads

1. All ads must be booked 2 weeks in advance
2. All materials must be submitted 1 week in advance

Print - Glossy magazine ads

1. All ads must be booked 1 month prior to publication
2. All materials must be submitted 2 weeks prior to publication

Print - Broadsheet and tabloid supplement

1. All ads must be confirmed one week prior to publication
2. All materials must be submitted 2 business days in advance

Print - Content

1. Advertorial format - SCMP will add either 'Advertisement', 'Sponsored Feature', or 'Brought to you by'
2. Advertorial format in Business Post to promote IPOAnnual Results/Listing - SCMP will add ' Investor Communications'