INDUSTRY TARGETS KIDS, EXECS SAY [12/18]

Even within the industry that created Joe Camel and the Marlboro Man, and is most likely to by sympathetic to tobacco advertising, there is great concern about the effects and public perception of cigarette advertising.

A new survey of 300 advertising industry executives shows that 59% believes the tobacco industry seeks to market cigarettes to teenagers who do not already smoke, and 82% of ad executives believe cigarette ads are reaching kids regardless of the manufacturer's intent.

Furthermore, an overwhelming 71% believe current cigarette ads change do behavior and increase smoking among minors, with more than 75% saying that the ads make smoking more appealing or socially acceptable to teenagers.

As a result, 79% favor limits on the style and placement of tobacco ads to minimize the impact on youngsters, and 60% said they don't think the industry could enforce voluntary restrictions among ad agencies.

Reacting to the FDA's planned restrictions, 84% said outdoor ads should be banned within 1,000 feet of schools and playgrounds, while 62 percent said tobacco companies should not be able to distribute items kids may wear.

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