Campaign for Commercial-Free Childhood blasts TV promotion of junk foods to children

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In the wake of findings that food is the most-advertised product on television programming viewed by children, the Boston-based Campaign for a Commercial-Free Childhood (CCFC) recently issued a statement calling for "policies that will protect children from junk food marketers."

CCFC's Dr. Susan Linn made the statement in response to the Kaiser Family Foundation's report, "Food for Thought: Television Food Advertising to Children in the United States."

"This invaluable report clearly demonstrates the extent to which children are targeted with television commercials for unhealthy food. And, unfortunately, TV ads on television are only the tip of the iceberg. Television programs and movies also market unhealthy food to children through extensive brand licensing, promotions at fast food restaurants, and product placement," wrote Linn.

The Kaiser Family Foundation's study analyzed more than 8,000 advertisements using detailed data about the viewing habits of children in three age groups. Researchers found while children of all ages are bombarded with promotions for fast food, junk food and soda, 8- to 12-year-olds see the most food advertisements. This market, the "tweens," is especially important to advertisers because it encompasses the ages at which youngsters typically begin to make some of their own buying decisions.

According to Linn, "We know that marketing is a factor in the childhood obesity epidemic. It is unconscionable that 8-12-year-olds see, on average, more than 7,600 food commercials a year -- the vast majority for candy, snacks, cereals, and fast food. This report is the latest indication that, when it comes to children, the food and advertising industries are incapable of policing themselves."

The Campaign for a Commercial-Free Childhood is a national coalition of health care professionals, advocacy groups, educators, and parents. CCFC has been active in the fight against BusRadio -- a commercially sponsored radio channel designed for a captive audience of children on school buses. Reflecting the marketing strategies of television advertising, BusRadio focuses on the "tween" market, promising advertisers "a unique and effective way to reach" children in this age group.
About the author: Mike Adams is a consumer health advocate with a passion for teaching people how to improve their health He has authored more than 1,500 articles and dozens of reports, guides and interviews on natural health topics, impacting the lives of millions of readers around the world who are experiencing phenomenal health benefits from reading his articles. Adams is a trusted, independent journalist who receives no money or promotional fees whatsoever to write about other companies' products. In 2007, Adams launched EcoLEDs, a maker of super bright LED light bulbs that are 1000% more energy efficient than incandescent lights. He also founded an environmentally-friendly online retailer called BetterLifeGoods.com that uses retail profits to help support consumer advocacy programs. He's also the CEO of a highly successful email newsletter software company that develops software used to send permission email campaigns to subscribers. Adams volunteers his time to serve as the executive director of the Consumer Wellness Center, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, and practices nature photography, Capoeira, Pilates and organic gardening. He's also author of numerous health books published by Truth Publishing and is the creator of several consumer-oriented grassroots campaigns, including the Spam. Don't Buy It! campaign, and the free downloadable Honest Food Guide. He also created the free reference sites HerbReference.com and HealingFoodReference.com. Adams believes in free speech, free access to nutritional supplements and the ending of corporate control over medicines, genes and seeds. Known as the 'Health Ranger,' Adams' personal health statistics and mission statements are located at www.HealthRanger.org

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