The MRC concludes that the media give undue attention to the riskiness of tobacco use. In its report, the MRC fusses over the media's covering tobacco use much more often than it did any of the other hazards. But, as far as we can tell, the MRC is showering sympathy on the devil. Let's look at the facts. Now, consider that smoking causes roughly half a million deaths per year, while illicit drug use results in about 10,000 deaths per year.
Tobacco use sure looks like the greater hazard.
Similarly, while traffic accidents account for around 44,000 deaths per year, TV news stories related to safe driving numbered 94 in the 12 months from August 1995 to July 1996. Even some forms of illicit drug use have their licit, therapeutic counterparts. The MRC report also leaves unmentioned that, historically, the tobacco industry has had a considerable advantage over the producers of other potentially hazardous items. Until recent years cigarette manufacturers were never held liable for the damage their products do.