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NBC will not run liquor ads
Due to criticism from numerous alcohol control
activists and lawmakers, NBC has recently
decided to reverse its decision to accept
brand name liquor ads on its network. This
decision comes three months after the network
broke a voluntary ban on the advertisement
of distilled spirits.
Regardless of the reasoning, NBC’s decision
to drop the liquor advertisers should be
applauded as a noble, responsible and successful
effort to put the welfare of America’s youth
above the company’s annual profit.
With the multitude of alcohol commercials
usually seen on television, it is not difficult
to see a pattern of images that seem to
be directed at people under the age of 21.
The talking Budweiser frogs, lizards and
ferrets alone are a direct appeal to the
senses of young children. Then many other
commercials depict young, attractive people
enjoying party scenes and sexual situations.
Although it can be argued that scenes such
as those appeal to everyone, not only people
under the age of 21, it cannot be denied
that the scenes and situations depicted
portray what underage people consider a
fun, pleasurable experience.
It is obvious that alcohol companies design
commercials to sell their product to young
people and within that scope there are a
great number of people who are not of drinking
age. Because the alcohol companies insist
on continuing to do so, it is important
that media companies be the responsible
parties and monitor what they will accept
as advertisements.
Any action to curb the amount of exposure
received by underage individuals to alcohol
advertisements of any kind is beneficial.
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