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Tuesday, September 13, 2011

New study: "Young people are being overexposed to alcohol ads on the radio"

There could be implications for radio advertising in this story. A 2003 deal obligated beer and distilled spirits advertisers to keep alcohol ads away from media where those under the age of 21 are particularly likely to be represented. Now a new analysis from the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health in Baltimore says "almost 1 out of 11 alcohol radio ads in 75 markets across the nation in 2009 failed to comply with the industry's voluntary standard." Here is the 2003 agreement: "Trade groups for beer and distilled spirits committed to placing alcohol ads in media venues only when underage youth comprise less than or equal to 30% of the audience, since 30% of the audience is 20 years old or younger." The Center on Alcohol Marketing and Youth says "9% of the ads in 75 markets that account for almost 50% of radio listeners 12 and older failed to meet the industry standards." The center, CAMY, names names: "Three brands alone - Miller Lite, Bud Light and Coors Light - placed more than half of these violating ads." There are now calls to make the 30% standard tougher and "meet a proportional 15% placement standard, given the fact that the group most at risk for underage drinking (12-20 year olds) is approximately 15% of the U.S. population."

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