Big Tobacco’s Marketing Tactics on Display

Late last week, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) released its latest findings on cigarette and smokeless tobacco marketing by the nation’s largest tobacco companies in 2007 and 2008. While the reports show that the amount spent on cigarette advertising actually slightly decreased during that time period, they also show that Big Tobacco’s funds were redirected toward increased advertising of smokeless tobacco products.

Tobacco companies continue to spend huge amounts of money – more than $28 million a day – to market their deadly products, so they can attract and addict the next generation of smokers and keep current smokers from quitting.

But this advertising snapshot could change dramatically in the years to come. Since 2008, there have been several key accomplishments in tobacco control and changes in the marketplace. The Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act has been signed into law, further restricting the ability of Big Tobacco to market to kids; our nation has seen a steady increase in state smoke-free laws; and new smokeless tobacco products, which were just being introduced into the market in 2007 and 2008, have become increasingly popular. One thing is for sure: Thanks to the hard work of anti-tobacco advocates all over the country, more Americans than ever are protected from the tobacco industry’s deadly products and have access to proven tobacco cessation programs.

The reports can be read here: http://ftc.gov/opa/2011/07/tobacco.shtm