Philip
Morris attacks "Truth"
May 2002
A good measure of how worthwhile a tobacco control initiative is has
always been the intensity of the tobacco industry's reaction to it.
Earlier this year, the Florida Department of Health launched a new
series of "Truth" ads which expose the tobacco industry's
misdeeds outside the U.S. Philip Morris recently sent a letter to the
Florida Department of Health calling the ads "misleading"
and requesting that the television ads be pulled -- a clear sign that
the ads are effective*! (the DOH has wisely ignored the PM letter)
To read Philip Morris' letter to the Florida Department of Health: http://www.essentialaction.org/tobacco/truth.pdf
Text version:
http://www.essentialaction.org/tobacco/truth.html
Philip Morris' attempt to kill the "Truth" appears to have
backfired. Many journalists have taken the opportunity to further lambaste
the company for aggressively targeting youth around the world. See below
for an article about the letter, followed by two excellent editorials.
TAKE ACTION:
Florida's "Truth" ads are an excellent example of how the tobacco
industry's misdeeds in one country can be used to discredit the industry
in another. We encourage everyone to think of creative ways of incorporating
examples of outrageous tobacco industry practices from abroad into your
local projects and campaigns. Philip Morris obviously doesn't like the
tactic, which is all the more reason to employ it!
Let's shine a light on Big Tobacco's global "corporate irresponsibility"!
* In Florida, Philip Morris was recently exposed as the sole funder ($360,000)
of the "Committee for Responsible Solutions," an industry front
group that has been fighting a ballot measure to ban smoking in indoor
public places. In targeting "Truth," Philip Morris may have
also sought to divert attention away from this damaging disclosure.
RELATED ARTICLES
TRUTH? Cigarette giant claims South Florida agency's
anti-smoking campaign is factually incorrect
by Jacqueline Charles
The Palm Beach Post
Apr. 12, 2002
EDITORIAL: Big Tobacco takes on 'Truth'
Daytona Beach (FL) News-Journal
Apr 16, 2002
Smoked Out -Philip Morris hits a new low with attack
on 'Truth'
Adweek.com Editorial
by Vincent Coppola
May 06, 2002
Essential
Action
Global Partnerships for Tobacco Control
P.O. Box 19405 ~ Washington,
DC 20036
Tel: +1 202-387-8030 ~ Fax: +1 202-234-5176
Email: tobacco@essential.org
www.essentialaction.org/tobacco
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