The cornerstone principle that underscores all marketing
is commercial free speech. When
commercial messages for legal products are truthful and non-deceptive,
marketers should be completely free to market their products and services
unencumbered by government regulation – or the threat of such regulation.
I raise this point – at this particular moment in time –
because of the outrageous attempts by Congress to vilify advertisers and
marketers for many ills in American society. As noted by my colleague Dan Jaffe
in his blog, Senators Harkin and Clinton bashed food marketers for undermining
the health of our children by causing obesity. Representative Moran called for
the restriction of ED ads. And Senator Grassley outlined provisions to
eliminate the tax deductibility of prescription drug advertising.
I have no problems with politicians calling upon various
industries to support initiatives that seek to improve the social well-being of
all Americans. But I do have big
problems when those calls threaten to impose governmental regulation and
control -- particularly when the underlying issues are poorly supported by the
facts.
I am particularly frustrated when the good work and socially
responsible initiatives of our marketing industry go unrecognized and
unappreciated – particularly by those grand standing in the political arena.
* Think of the great work done by the Advertising Council
and its media partners who provide more than $1.5 Billion in donated media to
educate the public on a variety of issues including drunk driving, seat belt
usage and, of course, the well-being of children.
* Think of all of the great work done by the Partnership
for Drug Free America and the enormous success it has had in curbing drug usage
– particularly among teens and young adults.
* Think of all of the great work done by the Children’s
Advertising Review Unit and the National Advertising Division of NARC – our
self regulatory body -- to ensure truthful and non-deceptive advertising.
* Think of all of the great work done by the Family
Friendly Programming Forum – the advertiser-sponsored group associated with the
ANA that has successfully delivered outstanding prime time network programs so
that parents and kids can watch television together.
* Think of all the great work done by the AAF, the 4A’s
and the AEF to promote improved advertising and marketing education at our
country’s higher institutions.
The marketing industry has done more than its share to
contribute to the well being of people in America.
Our industry’s social responsibility track record is second to none – and I
encourage any and all politicians to take a fair and balanced look at the
incredible good that we do.
All of us – the media, the agencies and our marketers --
should be very proud of the indelible contributions we have made -- and will
continue to make – to American Society.
http://monroefreepress.com/wwwboard/messages/24509.html complimentwhosewondered
Posted by: crimes | October 01, 2005 at 09:07 PM
http://www.happysposi.it/wwwboard/messages/783.html dawnexcitingsmothering
Posted by: noticed | September 06, 2005 at 05:23 AM