THE WASHINGTON TIMES
RICHMOND — Cigarette maker Philip Morris USA, a unit of consumer products giant Altria Group Inc., announced that it has begun an advertising campaign asking the entertainment industry to stop using its brands in movies and television shows.
Print advertisements were placed this week in trade publications such as Daily Variety and the Hollywood Reporter, Philip Morris USA said.
The ads are designed to “raise awareness” of the tobacco giant’s positions against product placement and the use of its brand imagery, the company said. The campaign also encourages the industry to reduce or eliminate smoking scenes in movies directed at youth.
“Movies have the power to amuse, delight, teach and inspire. However, some studies suggest they may also influence a child’s decision to smoke,” said Jennifer Hunter, Philip Morris USA vice president for Youth Smoking Prevention and Cessation Support.
Since 1990, company policy has been to deny all requests for permission to use or display its brands in filmed entertainment intended for general audiences, the company said.
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