Tobacco-Free Kids Launches New Advertising Urging Prompt Congressional Action On Tobacco
February 02, 1998
Washington, DC - In an ongoing effort to build support for national tobacco legislation and highlight the consequences of nactivity, the CAMPAIGN FOR TOBACCO-FREE KIDS today kicked-off a spirited print and radio advertising campaign in the nation’s capital. 'One week ago, President Clinton reiterated to the nation his commitment to a strong and comprehensive national tobacco control policy,' said Bill Novelli, president of the CAMPAIGN FOR TOBACCO-FREE KIDS. 'With 3,000 kids becoming regular smokers everyday, our nation must finally move forward with legislation that will save lives and protect kids from tobacco. With this new advertising, we are delivering a strong and unequivocal message that the time to act is now.' The CAMPAIGN is beginning its advertising blitz today in the Washington Post, Congressional Quarterly, Roll Call and Congress Daily/AM. Over the coming two weeks, ads will run in the Washington Times, National Journal, New York Times and The Hill. Radio advertisements will run on NPR, WMAL-AM, WTOP-AM and other Washington radio stations. The advertising focuses on the urgent need for comprehensive tobacco legislation and the number of lives that are put in jeopardy each day that nothing is done. In a bold headline, the print advertisement states, 'Every day without action on tobacco, 1,000 kids will die early.' It goes on to say, 'We can’t afford to play politics with our kids’ lives -- without tough, effective legislation, the only winner will be Big Tobacco.' An accompanying graphic includes a chilling graveyard scene. One of the radio advertisements begins, 'Every day without action on tobacco means another thousand kids are sentenced to an early death...It’s time to protect kids and crack down on the tobacco industry.' The second radio placement says, 'Almost three-quarters of Americans believe a national tobacco program is important to help parents discourage kids from smoking.' Transcripts of two radio ads, and a copy of the print ad follow. Novelli continued, 'The American people support comprehensive tobacco control, President Clinton has made it a top priority and Congress has the unprecedented opportunity to pass legislation that builds on, but goes well beyond the ‘settlement’ between state attorneys general and the tobacco industry. Our goal is to remind the nation that if action is delayed, the only winner in this battle will be the tobacco industry giants, while the death toll will continue to rise.' The CAMPAIGN is also planning other advertising campaigns in a number of states during Congress’ President’s Day recess. The CAMPAIGN FOR TOBACCO-FREE KIDS is the largest initiative ever undertaken to decrease youth tobacco use in the United States. Its mandate is to focus the nation’s attention and action on keeping tobacco marketing from seducing children, and making tobacco less accessible to kids.