Liquor Advertising (Press, 2 April 1987)
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Summary: Liquor Advertising (Press, 2 April 1987)
In letters published in response to a recent decision by the Broadcasting Corporation to permit television advertising for alcohol, two writers express contrasting views on the issue. R. A. Knight expresses significant concern about the potential impact of alcohol advertising on New Zealand society, particularly on the youth. He argues that advertising goes beyond simply promoting a brand, as it employs sophisticated marketing strategies that could exacerbate peer pressure among young people to consume alcohol excessively. Knight criticises the Broadcasting Corporation for prioritising profits over public health, noting that the negative consequences of alcohol consumption—such as road accidents, violence, and crime—should take precedence over the financial interests of brewery shareholders. He disapproves of the idea that corporate wealth should be prioritised over the well-being of the community. In contrast, R. Campbell's letter portrays a different perspective on societal priorities. He critiques New Zealand's handling of various serious issues, such as sodomy, the treatment of criminals, and the leniency shown towards sexual offences, suggesting a disparity in the seriousness assigned to these matters compared to the controversy surrounding alcohol advertising on television. Campbell implies that society's outrage over the prospect of alcohol commercials is disproportionate, given the more severe societal issues that appear to be overlooked. His commentary suggests a lack of logical consistency in how concerns are prioritised in public discourse. Overall, these letters reflect a broader societal debate in 1987 about the implications of alcohol advertising and the values that guide New Zealand’s approach to media regulation and public health.
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