Tobacco Documents Online

r PHILIP~MORRIS:, . RE CE g,rED 120 PARK AVENUE, NEW YORK, N.Y. 10017 FRANK E. RESNIK PRESIDENT CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Mr. Philip Smith President & Chief Executive Officer GENERAL FOODS CORPORATION 250 North Street White Plains, NY 10625 Dear Phil: AUG 11 iJa7 MM1SH MAXWELL S August 14, 1987 It has come to our attention that Ted Turner's company, Turner Broad- casting System, recently instituted a ban on hiring people who smoke. As you know, we encourage companies to develop smoking policies in conjunction with their employees that address the needs of both smokers and nonsmokers. It seems to us that the hiring ban is discriminatory, excessive and unfair. In addition, a former TBS anchorwoman gives us reason to believe that Mr. Turner is selectively using the smoking bamand'an antismoking policy to "get rid of undesirables" (please see attached memo). We initiated a mailing program which will express the dismay of some cable subscribers to Mr. Turner regarding his new policies. For your interest, a sample letter is attached. Smoking policies are a legitimate area of concern for businesses. We don't contest that. We do take issue, however, with absolutely un- reasonable policies such as these. As you~may know, General Foods is one of TBS' biggest advertisers. I would sincerely appreciate it if you would consider expressing our deep concerns to Mr. Turner. Thanks very much~. Best regards, Frank E. Resnik cc: Messrs. H. Maxwell A. Schroeder R.W. Murray M. Mudd Z