Anti-Smoking Ads May Turn Into Rich New Business Vein

WASHINGTON, D.C.-If certain states, such as Texas, California and New York, follow Florida’s lead in settling its lawsuit against the cigarette companies, the spending for anti-smoking messages will eventually surpass the ad budget for the entire tobacco industry.
As part of the settlement negotiated last week, tobacco companies have agreed to pay Florida $200 million to be used over a 24-month period for an anti-smoking campaign that will include advertising, educational programs and stricter policing of tobacco sales to minors.
The money will fund the “Pilot Program,” a prototype anti-smoking endeavor that other states may reproduce as they hammer out their own agreements with the tobacco corporations.