CANCER IN AMERICA

Press, Volume CX, Issue 32462, 24 November 1970, Page 15

CANCER IN AMERICA

Plea to press by society (N.Z.P.A.-Reuter—Copyright) New York, Nov. 23. The American Cancer Society has caused a controversy by asking for free advertising space in newspapers and magazines for its campaign against smoking. The society says that when cigarette advertisements are barred from radio and television in January, it expects a massive influx of them in newspapers and magazines. One newspaper has answered the society’s appeal with a definite “no.” The New York “Daily News,” in an editorial, describes it as “the tops in gall.” A spokesman for the society said that this response was not typical, but it was too early to say what the positive response would be. He thought that answers would begin to come in from newspaper publishers in a month.

“Editor and Publisher," commented: “This is the first time in history, to our knowledge, that newspapers have been asked to counter voluntarily the advertising messages for a product that is legally sold, legally consumed and legally advertised. It may be precedent-setting . . . “Each publisher will make a decision to suit his own conscience. But each should remember that this request may be only the first to come from special-interest groups who would like to see the advertising and sale of this or that product rejected or suspended for any number of reasons, including morals and health.”