Big tobacco is a term that came on the scene to better and effectively describe the power, authority and influence brandished by the tobacco industry all across the globe. It is a term that also communicates the ruthless determination held by the industry in achieving its well thought-out goals which is essentially to get as may people as possible on the planet to start smoking.
One of the industry’s strength which has caused it to come to a place of controlling so many economies around the world has been its ability to appeal to new smokers through advertising. Statistical data available today show that big tobacco in America alone spends as much as $35million per day in advertising mainly in magazines, newspapers and bill boards. Some studies have also shown that the industry is moving to use internet social media to advertise its products such as the YouTube and Facebook.
Anti-tobacco campaigners and regulators are agreeable that one of the ways and means to curtail the advance of the industry in as far as adding more smokers especially young people is through controlling and regulating their advertising advantage. A fierce battle erupted a few years ago in the United States aimed at achieving this very same thing. this battle was led by the FDA.
Eventually FDA’s proposals were passed by Best pipe tobacco Congress and today presents one of the best blueprints that and tobacco interventions worldwide can copy. The following are methods currently in use in America to control Big tobacco advertising;
1. Sponsorship bans – In the United States and many other countries for that matter, the tobacco industry has since been disallowed to sponsor special social events involving the public such as sports and entertainment. Previously through this sponsorship the industry would display its colorful paraphernalia and products.
2. Free giveaway bans – The giving away of free cigarette or tobacco products with a purchase was also made illegal. The industry would normally run promos in which buyers of certain quantities would receive free tobacco products. This encouraged consumption of tobacco.
These methods are not exhaustive. There are a few other strategies implemented in America that have had a strong impact on big tobacco advertising. These methods cam be replicated in other countries. In South Africa for example and many other parts of Europe and the rest of the world, sponsorship bans have also been enforced.
It however needs to be remembered that the industry is cunning and often a step ahead of authorities so much that these strategies are not an end in themselves. Strategy changes will continue to be required.