Rick Dean
Registered
http://www.ksat.com/family/2966261/detail.html
Kool Cigarettes Accused Of Targeting Black Teens
POSTED: 8:46 a.m. EST April 1, 2004
WASHINGTON -- The maker of Kool cigarettes has been accused of targeting black teens with an ad campaign that features hip-hop themes.
Brown and Williamson says its marketing campaign is designed to "celebrate the energy and creativity of the urban hip-hop culture."
But an official in charge of enforcing a settlement with the tobacco industry says the new campaign appears to be aimed at black youths.
If so, the campaign for Kool c
garettes would violate an agreement involving 46 states that bars tobacco companies from targeting teens.
Maine Attorney General Steven Rowe has requested a meeting with company officials. State off
ici
ls can also sue to enforce the settlement in court, where fines could be i
mposed.
Copyright 2004 by The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed
Kool Cigarettes Accused Of Targeting Black Teens
POSTED: 8:46 a.m. EST April 1, 2004
WASHINGTON -- The maker of Kool cigarettes has been accused of targeting black teens with an ad campaign that features hip-hop themes.
Brown and Williamson says its marketing campaign is designed to "celebrate the energy and creativity of the urban hip-hop culture."
But an official in charge of enforcing a settlement with the tobacco industry says the new campaign appears to be aimed at black youths.
If so, the campaign for Kool c
garettes would violate an agreement involving 46 states that bars tobacco companies from targeting teens.
Maine Attorney General Steven Rowe has requested a meeting with company officials. State off
ici
ls can also sue to enforce the settlement in court, where fines could be i
mposed.
Copyright 2004 by The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed