Pubdate: Fri, 23 Sep 2005
Source: Ad Week (US)
Copyright: 2005 Ad Week
Contact:  http://www.adweek.com/aw/magazine/index.jsp
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/3163
Author: Wendy Melillo
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/pot.htm (Cannabis)
Cited: Office of National Drug Control Policy ( www.whitehousedrugpolicy.gov )
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/campaign.htm (ONDCP Media Campaign)

HOUSE GROUP TARGETS ANTI-DRUG ADS

WASHINGTON -- A group of House Republicans has proposed eliminating 
the White House's anti-drug media campaign and several other federal 
programs to pay for the damage caused by Hurricane Katrina.

The group, called the Republican Study Committee, said in its 
proposal released this week that "there is no solid evidence that 
media campaigns are effective in either preventing or reducing the 
use of illegal drugs." The group, headed by Rep. Mike Pence, R-Ind., 
estimated the cut would save the government $1.3 billion over 10 years.

Officials at the Office of National Drug Control Policy argue that 
the campaign has contributed to a drop in teen drug use, but media 
costs have increased.

"We need strong support for the campaign in order to continue driving 
down teen drug use," said ONDCP representative Tom Riley. "Dollars 
invested in prevention today save millions of dollars and thousands 
of lives tomorrow."

The campaign's budget is currently $120 million. The House has 
proposed giving the campaign $145 million for next year, while the 
Senate has proposed $95 million.

New creative for the campaign, done by Foote Cone & Belding in New 
York, will introduce "Above the influence" as the tagline and show 
teens the type of people who are bad influences. The work is 
scheduled to break this fall [Adweek, Sept. 19].