Tobacco Documents Online

FROM: Hill and Knowlton, Inc., 1000-16th St.,N.!4., Washington, D. C. (ST 3-027C) FOR: The American Tobacco Company, Brown & Williamson Tobacco Corporation, Larus & Brother Company, Inc., Liggett & Myers Tobacco Company, P. Lorillard Company, Philip Morris Incorporated, R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Company, Stephano Brothers, Inc., and United States Tobacco Company. FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, Monday, June 8, 1964 FORMER GOVERNOR ROBERT B. MEYNER SELECTED AS ADMINISTRATOR OF CIGARETTE ADVERTISING CODE New York -- Former New Jcrsey Governor Robert B. Meyner has been selected as Administrator of the Cigarette Advertising Code. The announcement was made today by the nation's cigarette manu- facturing companies, which developed the Code, announced April 27. The Code will apply to all U. S. cigarette advertising. As Administrator, Governor Meyner will have "complete and final authority to determine whether cigarette advertising complies with the standards of this Code and to enforce this Code in all other respects," the companies said. The Code provides that no advertising may be used unless it has been "submitted to the Administrator and determined by him to be in compliance" with the Code. If a company should violate the Code, it may be required by the Administrator to pay up to $100,000. The companies said the Code is subject to clearance under the antitrust laws by the Dep artment of Justice. Governor Meyner's appoint- ment will become effective following this clearance. The Code itself will take effect as soon thereafter as the Administrator has organized his staff and office in New York City. Governor Meyner's contract as Administrator is for a five-year term, the companies said. (more)

t - 3 - To assist him in reviewing cigarette advertising, the Adminis- trator may appoint scientific advisory panels when necessary. Such panels would be selected after consultation with appropriate government agencies, medical societies, universities and similar institutions. Governor Meyner was born in Easton, Penna., in 19C8. He was graduated from Lafayette College in 1930, where he majored in government and law. He received his law degree from Columbia University in 1933, and was admitted to the New Jersey Bar the next year. He has been awarded honorary degrees as a Doctor of Laws by Columbia, Colorado College, Fair- leigh Dickinson University, Lafayette College, Lincoln University, Long Island University, Princeton.University, Rutgers University, and Syracuse University, and as a Doctor of Letters by Paterson State College. Governor M,eyner is married to the former Helen Day Stevenson, daughter of William Stevenson, a former president of Oberlin College. Governor and Mrs. MEyner make their home in Princeton, N.J. He is a director of The Prudential Insurance Company of America, the National State Bank of Newark, the Phillipsburg National Bank and Trust Company, Engelhard Industries, Inc., Engelhard Hanovia, Inc., the Central Railroad Company of New Jersey, and is chairman of the Commission to Study Meadowland Development. During World War II, Governor Meyner joined the U. S. Naval Reserve as a lieutenant (j.g.) in 1942 and attained the rank of commander. He is a trustee of the New Jersey State Bar Association, past chairman of the junior section of the American Bar Association, and has been admitted to practice before the U. S. Supreme Court. Announcement of Governor Meyer's selection as Code Administrator was made in behalf of The American Tobacco Company, Brown & Williamson Tobacco Corporation, Larus & Brother Company, Inc., Liggett & Myers To- bacco Company, P. Lorillard Company, Philip Morris Incorporated, R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Company, Stephano Brothers, Inc., and United States Tobacco Company. 00000

- 2 - Commenting on his selection, Governor Meyner said: "I have accepted this position as a practical challenge and with real enthusiasm. I believe it is better for industry to regulate itself, and the cigarette companies are attempting to do this. They have asked me to serve as an impartial, objective administrator of a strict code regulating all advertis- ing in the industry. I consider myself, in this sense, a duly appointed judge. I will do my utmost to enforce this Code honestly and fairly." An attorney, Governor Meyner was chief executive of Ncw Jersey from 1954 to 1962. He was elected to his first term in November 1953 and re-elected in November 1957. New Jersey law limits the governor to two terms of four years. He was a member of the New Jersey State Senate from 1948-52, serving as minority leader in 1950. Earlier he was a practicing attorney and counsel to Warren County, N.J. He is a partner in the law firm of Meyner and i.Jiley of Newark, N.J. The Cigarette tdvertising Code establishes "uniform standards for cigarette advertising" and provides a "means whereby compliance with this Code can be ascertained promptly and fairly on a consistent basis." Unaer the Code, advertising may not "represent that cigarette smoking is essential to social promi:,eneP, distinction, success, or sexual attraction." It prohibits testimonials from athletes or celebrities who might have special appeal to persons under 21, as well as cigarette adver- tising or promotion in school, college or university publications or on campuses. The Code specifies that cigarette advertising may not appear on tclevision or radio programs, or in publications, directed primarily t o persons under 21. In addition, the Code prohibits any statement concerning health unless the Administrator determines that it is "significant in terms of health and is based on adequate, relevant and valid scientific data." (more)