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Arnold Faces Anti-Smoking ChallengesBOSTON—Lorillard Tobacco last week threatened legal action against the American Legacy Foundation, sponsor of the national youth anti-smoking campaign. Lorillard alleged that the "Truth" campaign from Boston's Arnold and Miami-based Crispin Porter + Bogusky violates the terms of Big Tobacco's Master Settlement Agreement with states that prohibits ads from vilifying tobacco firms. Cheryl Healton, Legacy's president and CEO, countered that "Truth" ads help educate teens about the contents of cigarettes and about tobacco industry marketing efforts. "They use irreverent humor that adults may sometimes not understand," Healton said. "We do not apologize for this. This is education, not vilification—and it saves lives." Legacy spends about $100 million annually. Separately, Gov. Jane Swift proposed steep cuts last week in the Massachusetts Office of Public Health Tobacco Control Program, which spends about $12 million annually on ads via Arnold. A Public Health representative said it is too early to say how deep the cuts will be or what impact they will have on advertising. Red Promotes Wilson to President BOSTON—Red Advertising has promoted Jennie Smith Wilson to president. Previously managing director,Wilson will continue to lead the account management group, overseeing key agency clients such as Anheuser-Busch, Strong Capital Management, Internova and Bingham Dana. She will also play a more active role in newbusiness development at the 35-person Boston shop. Wilson joined Red precursor Heater Advertising in 1998; previously, she had been vice president and management supervisor at crosstown agency Hill, Holliday, Connors, Cosmopulos. Spalding Readies Infusion Marketing BlitzBOSTON—Spalding Sports Worldwide unveils a television and print effort this week for Infusion, its new basketball. The campaign features Los Angeles Lakers star Kobe Bryant, longtime pitchman for the company in Chicopee, Mass. The theme: "Challenge conventional wisdom." Winstanley Associates, Lenox, Mass., fashioned the nationwide campaign. Blue Shield of California Eyes Hill, HollidaySAN FRANCISCO—Blue Shield of California has chosen three finalists to contend for its $4-6 million account, the client confirmed. The agencies are the San Francisco offices of Foote, Cone & Belding; Hill, Holliday, Connors, Cosmopulos; and Messner Vetere Berger McNamee Schmetterer/Euro RSCG. The account was formerly handled by McCann-Erickson, San Francisco, which declined to defend. A decision is expected by March. Agency Aboard to Promote Next Super BowlLOS ANGELES—The San Diego Super Bowl Host Committee said last week it has hired matthews/mark to create an identity and advertising package for Super Bowl XXXVII. The shop, which landed the assignment without a review, will also handle the host committee's publicity efforts. The San Diego agency initially aided the committee in 1999 when it pitched the city as a Super Bowl location to the NFL.

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