Sign in Subscribe
Television broadcasting industry

Philip Morris Settles Libel Suit with Capital Cities/ABC

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Philip Morris Companies Inc. has resolved a high-profile libel suit with Capital Cities/ABC, resolving claims that the network's DayOne program made defamatory statements about the tobacco company's practices. As part of the settlement, ABC has acknowledged its mistake and issued an apology to Philip Morris, stating that it made an error in alleging that tobacco companies "spike" or "fortify" cigarettes with nicotine from outside sources. The controversy surrounding this claim received significant media attention, including Congressional hearings and FDA investigations. Philip Morris has consistently denied the practice, stating that its finished cigarettes contain less nicotine than the raw materials used to make them.

Key Takeaways:

  • The libel suit between Philip Morris and Capital Cities/ABC has been settled, with ABC acknowledging its mistake and issuing an apology to Philip Morris.
  • The controversy surrounded allegations that tobacco companies "spike" or "fortify" cigarettes with nicotine from outside sources, a claim that Philip Morris has repeatedly denied.
  • Philip Morris has stated that its finished cigarettes contain less nicotine than the raw materials used to make them, contradicting the allegations made on ABC's DayOne program.
  • The issue has received significant attention from the media, Congress, and regulatory bodies, including the FDA.
  • ABC has agreed to read a statement of apology on both Monday Night Football and DayOne, acknowledging its error and taking responsibility for the mistake.
  • Philip Morris has emphasized the importance of fair and accurate reporting, stating that it hopes critics will carefully scrutinize claims before publicizing them.

Statistics:

  • No specific statistics are mentioned in the article.
  • However, the article reports that the issue has received significant attention from various bodies, including:

+ Congressional hearings

+ FDA investigations

+ The media

Sources:

  • Philip Morris Companies Inc.
  • ABC-TV
  • New York State

Nature of Suit: Libel

File Number: Dolly Colby; 212-878-2144

Read more