R.J. Reynolds Halts Print Ads
According to the Associated Press, The R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Co. will not advertise its brands in newspapers or consumer magazines next year. The company has come under intense pressure from anti-smoking groups and members of Congress over print ads for its cigarettes and has been criticized sharply for its Camel No. 9 ads, which appeared in fashion magazines and seemed to be aimed at young women. A recent ad in Rolling Stone magazine also stirred controversy. The ads bookended editorial material on independent rock music, which was presented in a cartoon-like format, remnicent of the banned "Joe Camel" cartoons which were seemingly aiming at children. R.J. Reynolds spokeswoman Jan Smith says: "Obviously tobacco industry issues are in mind with every decision we make. A result of this is there should be less controversy over cigarette advertising in magazines and newspapers, because we won't be doing it." Smith also says that decisions about using print advertising in future years would be made at a later time.