Deterrence

Advertisements Peter Studer favors immediate publication of advertising boycotts. The President of the Swiss Press Council, Peter Studer, is in favor of rapid publicity when advertisers exert pressure on publishing houses, regardless of whether the action is purely punitive or whether conditions are imposed. In connection with the publication of the advertising freeze by tobacco multinational Philip Morris following an article about the tobacco industry in the news magazine Facts, which the Tages-Anzeiger published on November 8 (see page 15), Studer told Werbewoche: "The Tages-Anzeiger acted correctly. But it would also be desirable for Facts itself to publicize the matter." Studer relies on the "Rights and Duties of Journalists" and related commentaries. Studer also recommends the same approach for boycott-style cancellations. "That is a deterrent." However, the prerequisite is that the article in question is not "unacceptably bad journalism". (mk)