FDA Eases Disclosure Rule for TV Drug Ads

Pharmaceutical ads on television and radio can now give consumers more information about a prescription drug’s purpose. The FDA reversed its long-standing ad policy Aug. 8 but will still require commercials to disclose a drug’s major side effects and tell consumers how to get more information.

Previously, stating the purpose of a drug triggered a requirement to include extensive product information that was virtually impossible to accommodate in a brief commercial. Only the vaguest of commercials could escape the disclosure rule, often leaving consumers wondering what the product was for.

The move is expected to generate a blizzard of TV ads, effectively creating a new category of advertising. Print ads will still be required to present extensive “fine print” information.

First Amendment Congress Folds

The First Amendment Congress, a coalition of 20 national journalism and communications organizations founded in 1979, will close its doors Sept. 1. Plans to disband the group were announced by Jean Otto, founder and president, who cited cutbacks in media and foundation support.

The group was affiliated with the University of Denver, which contributed space and supplies. The First Amendment Congress had sponsored six national “congresses” and over 40 state and local congresses on media and First Amendment topics. The organization also published reports and essays.

Billboard Hot Spots

On-Line Crackdown

The Federal Trade Commission is planning to blow the whistle on electronic mail fraud. The agency announced in June it would try to halt unsolicited “junk e-mail” peddling fraudulent business opportunities.

Court Briefs