Nets Cry Foul Over Anti-Cig Ads

Concerns About Creative Could Postpone $150-225 Mil. Launch
WASHINGTON, D.C.–Complaining that the creative unfairly attacks safe products, such as sneakers, some networks requested major changes in the American Legacy Foundation’s anti-tobacco spots before airing them.
NBC, ABC and CBS have all rejected the initial storyboards submitted to the networks for approval by Arnold Communications and Crispin Porter & Bogusky, sources said. The concern could delay the debut of the $150-225 million campaign, called, “Truth,” scheduled to air this week.
One ad, targeted at teens, compares acne medicine to tobacco, network sources said.