In 2005 Big Tobacco companies spent nearly $200 million marketing cigarettes to consumers, much of that money went to marketing which is specifically effective at reaching kids (colorful in store displays, discounts and gifts with purchases). These figures come from a study by the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids. Even more staggering, though not really, is the $13.4 billion spent in 2005 on marketing up from $6.9 billion spent in 1998, the year a state settlement was supposed to cut back cigarette advertising in general.
Thankfully the government is stepping in with a bill which would place cigarettes under the umbrella of the Food and Drug Administration. The FDA would be able to greatly restrict the kinds of advertising cigarette companies can employ. Which, uh? My 6 year old can tell you nicotine is a drug, how have tobacco companies avoided any government regulation until now?
Some experts, like Michael Siegel of Boston University's School of Public Health, say only a total ban on all cigarette advertising will be effective in keeping kids from smoking. Good luck with that Mr. Siegel. A spokesperson from Phillip Morris, a major cigarette producer, says the company is happy to move tobacco under the direction of the FDA. “Our marketing goal is to find ways to connect to adult smokers in a way that minimizes the unintended reach” [to minors]. Color me skeptical, Phillip Morris, but I have a feeling your marketing pull to teens is hardly 'unintended'.
