Children

The Olsen Twins They Ain't

by Diane Farsetta — December 9, 2005 - 11:37am

"Nazi worship is very problematic but the public relations dilemma can be solved very simply," Margaret Kimberley writes. "Leave out any mention of hate, racism, Hitler and holocaust denial." Kimberley points to Prussian Blue, 13 year-old blonde twin sisters who sing songs celebrating Adolf Hitler and Rudolph Hess.

Main Source: 
The Black Commentator, December 8, 2005

Battle of the Childhood Bulge

by Diane Farsetta — December 7, 2005 - 2:41pm
Cover of the IOM report

"We can't any more argue whether food advertising is related to children's diets.

Main Source: 
Wall Street Journal (sub req'd), December 7, 2005

Whatever the Skin Color, Inside Are Black Lungs

by Diane Farsetta — November 18, 2005 - 4:43pm

The Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids, the National Latino Council on Alcohol and Tobacco Prevention, and Floridians for Youth Tobacco Education warn that the tobacco industry is increasingly targeting Latino children.

Main Source: 
Associated Press, November 17, 2005

Sells Like Teen Spirit

by Sheldon Rampton — November 2, 2005 - 11:59pm

"There's something truly creepy about the notion of marketers manipulating what ordinary people say to one another," writes Jeff Gelles.

Main Source: 
Philadelphia Inquirer, October 31, 2005

They're Krafty

by Diane Farsetta — November 2, 2005 - 10:13am

After "a major government-commissioned study found advertising contributes to childhood obesity" and two bills before Congress "proposed regulation of children's advertising," Kraft, "the nation's biggest food company," knew it "risked being depicted as a corporate villain." So, in January, the company "announced it would quit advertising certain products to kids under 12." While some criticized Kraft's continued use of cartoons and questioned whether the company should be able to decide "what's healthy and what isn't," policymakers praised Kraft.

Main Source: 
Wall Street Journal (sub. req'd.), October 31, 2005

Better Living Through Chemistry (Except for the Poor Kids)

by Diane Farsetta — September 28, 2005 - 1:48pm

The American Chemistry Council (ACC), which received bad press last year for funding an Environmental Protection Agency study that would have exposed children to pesticides and household chemicals, launched a "major public education campaign" called "essential2." The two-year, $35 million campaign will stress "how central chemistry is to the

Main Source: 
PR Week, September 26, 2005

The Education Department's Paid Apple Polishers

by Diane Farsetta — September 6, 2005 - 11:42am

An "angry op-ed" in the Dallas Morning News claimed the city's school system was "limiting the future and opportunities for our children" by not enacting policies mandated under the federal No Child Left Behind law more quickly.

Main Source: 
USA Today, September 3, 2005

Porter Novelli Touts Trade Group's Soda Vending Policy

by Laura Miller — August 30, 2005 - 6:38pm

"Soda industry touts school ban to quiet obesity critics," reads the PR Week headline on a story outlining the soft-drink industry's latest defensive move in response to national concerns about childhood obesity.

Main Source: 
PR Week (sub req'd), August 29, 2005

ABA's School Vending Policy Fizzes On Obesity Prevention

by Laura Miller — August 23, 2005 - 11:27pm
  • Topics: Obesity, Children, Health, Public Relations

    • The American Beverage Association scored PR points recently when they unveiled a new voluntary "school vending policy." The trade association for soft drink manufacturers says it is encouraging beverage producers and school districts to provide "lower-calorie and/or nutritious beverages" to schools and limit the availability of soft drinks in schools. ABA's announcement snagged positive news stories across the country, but public health advocates questioned the group's commitment to preventing childhood obesity.

    Uncle Sam Wants Your Parents

    by Sheldon Rampton — August 22, 2005 - 9:56am

    Last month we noted that one of the obstacles facing U.S. military recruiters is "parents who are reluctant to see their kids enlist." Now the army is responding with an advertising campaign targeting parents directly with the slogan, "help them find their strength." Seth Stevenson analyzes the ads and their new slogan, in which "The Army has at last been repositioned as a finishing school.

    Main Source: 
    Slate, August 22, 2005
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