AMA applauds NBC for dropping hard liquor ads

     "The American Medical Association is pleased that NBC has decided to drop its plans to accept hard liquor advertising."  Facing public pressure, led by the AMA, NBC recently announced its decision to drop their plans to accept hard liquor advertising.  "This decision sends a clear message that even in difficult economic times, the health and safety of our young people is worth far more than advertising dollars," said AMA Trustee J. Edward Hill, MD.

     The AMA immediately condemned NBC's decision in December 2001 to break the ban on hard liquor advertising, calling the decision "shockingly irresponsible."  With an ad for Smirnoff  vodka, NBC became the first major network in almost fifty years to air advertisements for hard liquor.  The AMA consistently urged NBC to reconsider their decision.  An article in the New York Times noted that the AMA is the only opponent that NBC listed by name in its recent press statement.

     "The public pressure exerted on NBC sent a clear message that our nation will not tolerate exposing young people to even more dangerous influences on television.  We hope all networks will continue to honor the voluntary ban that has been in place for decades. We commend NBC for its socially responsible decision on this important matter," states the AMA.