Good News Regarding New Advertising Standards

As mentioned in an earlier post, the FTC has concluded that distilled spirits advertising is adhering to the new standards, as had been desired. Article listed below.


FTC Report Concludes Distilled Spirits Advertising Adheres to Rigorous Adult Standards

For Immediate Release - 6/26/2008

Contact: Public AffairsTelephone: 202-682-8840


WASHINGTON, D.C. – In a major report released today on self-regulation in the beverage alcohol industry, the Federal Trade Commission found “high levels of compliance” with the industry’s voluntary 70 percent 21 years of age and older demographic standard and concluded the distilled spirits industry’s advertising is directed to adults.
Specifically, the FTC found that more than 92 percent of all television, radio, and print advertising placements met the 70 percent 21+ demographic standard and more than 97 percent of total advertising impressions met the 70 percent standard.
“The FTC has stated clearly that the spirits industry has done an excellent job in ensuring that its advertising and marketing is directed to adults,” said Distilled Spirits Council President Peter H. Cressy. “Since 2003, we have instituted transparent public reports, rigorous audits and a new buying guideline for internet/digital media which have significantly contributed to the high standard cited in today’s announcement.”
The FTC did not recommend a change in the 70 percent 21+ demographic standard noting that it is grounded in the 2000 census data and that the “current 70 percent baseline standard has helped to ensure that alcohol advertising is not disproportionately directed to those below the legal drinking age, as recommended by the Surgeon General’s Call to Action.”
Cressy noted, “Not surprisingly, assertions about beverage alcohol advertising by industry critic, the Center on Alcohol Marketing and Youth (CAMY), once again comes in for criticism for its questionable methodologies and conclusions – something the industry has long pointed out to the news media and public officials.” Importantly, the FTC said that teen drinking “has declined substantially over time,” and “restriction on teen access to alcohol are a proven way to reduce teen drinking.” The FTC noted most teens who drink gain access to alcohol primarily through non-commercial sources such as older friends, parties where adults are present, or by taking it from their own homes, which was reinforced by a major study issued today by the U.S. Substance and Mental Health Services Administration.
-30-
FTC Press Release
FTC Report

CGI 2008 Upcoming Dates for NYC and Hong Kong

Here is the latest announcement regarding the upcoming 2008 CGI Dates for NEw York City and Hong Kong.


June 23, 2008

For Immediate Release

Contact: Clinton Foundation Press Office+1.212.348.0360

President Clinton Announces 2008 Dates for CGI and CGI Asia

New York, NY - President Clinton announced today that the fourth Annual Meeting of the Clinton Global Initiative (CGI) will be held September 23-26, 2008, in New York City.

CGI Asia, the first of a series of CGI International meetings, will be held December 2-3, 2008, in Hong Kong.

The Clinton Global Initiative is a project of the non-partisan Clinton Foundation that transforms ideas into action by bringing together heads of state, business executives, directors of NGOs, academics, and philanthropists to address some of the world’s most pressing challenges. At the fourth Annual Meeting, members will participate in workshops and meetings focused on four main topics: energy & climate change, education, global health, and poverty alleviation.
At CGI Asia, President Clinton will join several hundred Asian leaders to further strengthen social responsibility in Asia, and will engage the participants for two days of panel discussions and interactive working sessions, each of which will examine specific challenges and opportunities for action. The meeting will focus on three primary areas of discussion: education, energy & climate change, and public health.
Attendees at all CGI meetings make specific commitments to address one of the topics covered and report to President Clinton on the progress made throughout the course of the coming year. Attendees who do not make or keep their commitment are not invited back to subsequent meetings.
Since 2005, CGI members have made nearly 1,000 commitments to improve over 200 million lives in 100 countries.