Tobacco Company Advertising Targets Teens free essay sample

Tells how tobacco companies continue to market their products to those under the age of 18. This paper discusses the history of tobacco companies advertising strategies, focusing on the way in which they were forced to say goodbye to Joe Camel and other teen-appealing figures in their advertising campaigns but still continued to market their products to those under the age of 18. Cigarettes are the most heavily marketed consumer products in the United States. Each year, tobacco companies spend more than $5.7 billion to promote and advertise their products as fun, sexy, glamorous, and macho. Yet, an estimated 430,700 Americans die each year from diseases caused by smoking. A study conducted by the American Lung Association found that 34 percent of teens begin smoking as a result of tobacco company promotional activities. Cigarette brand names are used in sponsoring sporting events and concerts, events that are geared to teens and young adults.