It's clear that they and the other tobacco companies are taking every opportunity to try to buy respectability. Even Congress, whose membership traditionally found it difficult to refuse tobacco money, has formed the Congressional Task Force on Tobacco and Health. It is the first ever organized alliance in Congress that is devoted to reducing death and disease caused by tobacco use. But the tobacco industry's ability to influence editorial decisions in the media concerns the American Heart Association. Notable health and science writers say that some of their articles dealing with smoking have been extensively edited when submitted to publications that carry cigarette advertising.
Many newspaper publishers are wary about losing cigarette advertising revenues.
The conglomerate nature of cigarette ownership means that even more is at stake for the media. R.J. Reynolds holdings include Nabisco, Del Monte and Kentucky Fried Chicken, while Philip Morris controls Seven-Up, the Miller Brewing Company and General Foods. Tobacco companies do not hesitate to exercise their economic clout. This could influence public perceptions and affect our favorable relationships with legislators and the media. American Heart Association relations with other mass media such as outdoor advertising firms.