Marketing has a profound affect on the foods we eat and the beverages we drink, yet most of that marketing is for products we should avoid. BMSG monitors the media to help keep advocates informed of the tactics food and beverage companies use to target children, communities of color, and other groups that are particularly susceptible to the health harms these products cause. Below are archives of our monitoring.
Source: Media Post on August 31, 2011
On the heels of the CDC report on sugar-sweetened beverage consumption, the Center for Science in the Public Interest, public health departments and local and national health groups partner to launch the campaign "Life's Sweeter with Fewer Sugary Drinks."Source: Media Post on August 30, 2011
To boost sales of its Chewy Granola Bars, Quaker targets kids with personalized messages to phones from pop idol Nick Jonas. Codes are found inside the boxes of bars. When the codes are entered online, users can create customized messages from Nick Jonas.Source: Advertising Age on August 30, 2011
Coca-Cola North America announces that it will formally track what consumers say about Coca-Cola brands across Twitter, Facebook and other channels. The corporation will use the information to target consumers.Source: CBS News on August 30, 2011
A new study suggests that Boston's ban on sugar-sweetened beverages worked to decrease kids' consumption of soft drinks: from 1.71 servings in 2004 to 1.38 servings in 2006. The decrease translates to about 45 fewer calories per day.Source: Advertising Age on August 29, 2011
Facing criticism about food marketing to children, Kellogg's has repositioned its advertising for Frosted Flakes to target dads. The advertisements will still feature the iconic Tony the Tiger mascot, but will air during adult-oriented sports programming and will feature a father playing football with his son.Source: MediaPost on August 26, 2011
The Facebook page for Mentos candy now features an app that allows users to send their friends a "life guidance" video that is personalized using information pulled from the recipient's Facebook profile.Source: Food Politics on August 26, 2011
Marion Nestle is unimpressed by the most recent update to the Institute of Medicine's report on food marketing to children. She chides the authors for failing to acknowledge the need for federal regulation of food advertising to children.Source: Aljazeera on August 26, 2011
To the great alarm of many in the community and abroad, a story published by the Associated Press reveals that the CIA and New York Police Department have been working together to "monitor Muslim communities" in the New York area. The program has drawn severe criticism, with advocates arguing that it violates First Amendment protections and resembles programs launched in the Civil Rights and Vietnam era targeting communities in the United States.Source: MediaPost on August 25, 2011
McDonald's has partnered with Skechers for a Happy Meal promotion that allows children to collect one of 6 toy versions of collectible Twinkle Toes by Skechers shoes. The campaign includes TV and online advertising.Source: Chicago Tribune on August 24, 2011
Burger King has added Quaker oatmeal to its breakfast menu. The chain has also unveiled advertising that promotes "fresh ingredients" and "better-for-you meal offerings" as part of a larger effort to target women with children.
