TOBACCO ADS MUST MOVE
By Adnews Staff
U.S.-based cigarette marketer Philip Morris has agreed to stop placing cigarette billboards in U.S. sports stadiums and arenas where they are likely to be seen on telecasts of football, basketball, baseball or hockey games. The move was made after the Justice Department said it would file a suit accusing the company of violating a 24-year ban on cigarette advertising on TV. Under the deal, Philip Morris will remove boards from 14 stadiums, or re-position them where there is only a slight chance they will be televised. A Justice Department investigation was sparked by complaints from consumer groups and viewers. Investigators said Philip Morris was aware the ads would be televised. In the case of Madison Square Garden, the company was told it would receive about three or four minutes of television exposure each New York Knicks game.