Germany discusses soap opera product placement

Germany seems to have a problem with product placement. An article on Deutsche Welle (in English!) points out that is getting more and more difficult to distinguish editorial content from advertising. Recently a polemic has emerged when it became clear that public Tv network ARD was broadcasting a soap opera (Marienhof) full of hidden promotional messages.
Unfortunately the product placement “problem” is not limited to Germany, and the EU commission has started considering the issue.
Brand Channel recently published an interesting article on brands and movie advertising moving beyond product placement deals.