Limiting Ads Of Junk Food To Children
The title of my entry is identical to the title of an article written by Brooks Barnes that appeared in the New York Times today (July 18, 2007, page C1). Basically, the article summarized the recent activity by 11 big food companies to change the way they advertise food to children on TV. The companies are scrambling given several law suits and the prospect of federal intervention. I find all of this quite interesting and it would also be amusing if the subject matter did not involve advertising to children for foods that are probably not so good for them. It is interesting that the food companies differentiate between “family” TV programs and those almost exclusively for children- it’s ok to advertise whatever if some adults are watching, even if many of the viewers are children and the foods being advertised are primarily for children.
Anyway, I think it’s all a little crazy and, in my opinion, the food companies are entirely disingenuous. On the other hand, maybe we are trying to blame the food companies for the poor choices that parents make? When is the last time you saw a 4 year old racing home from the supermarket on his tricycle with a box of Cocoa Puffs under his arm?