TTU MKTG 4354

Palatable Public Policy

As we discussed in class, the government regulatory agencies and marketers can work to achieve a common goal. Marketers should be allowed to engage in promotion activities with minimal interference from the regulators. Two articles, linked here and linked here, discuss food marketers’ efforts to influence public policy regarding advertising on children's programs.

Who is missing from these debates? Unfortunately, the consumer lacks a voice in these proceedings. It is the consumer who has greater regulatory control over marketers than the government should or does have.

By setting what is good and bad promotional activities, are we going down a slippery slope of censorship? Please recall that only the government has the power to censor.

If we limit firm’s use of promotions, what are other resources will we limit?

Is there a third way other than light or heavy government regulation of advertising? Does the spirits industry offer a possible remedy in the debate over advertising to children?

posted by Michael @ 5:20 PM