Why were restrictions placed on tobacco advertising on U.S. television and radio?

Restrictions on tobacco advertising on U.S. television and radio were primarily driven by growing scientific evidence linking cigarette smoking to serious health risks, including lung cancer.2

Following the 1964 surgeon general’s report that established these health hazards, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) initially ruled in 1967 that the Fairness Doctrine required broadcasters to air antismoking messages to balance tobacco advertisements.1

As pressure mounted for a complete ban, the tobacco industry eventually supported a withdrawal from broadcast media. They reasoned that a voluntary exit from television and radio would preempt more restrictive legislation that might ban their advertising across all mass media platforms. When broadcasters failed to reach a voluntary agreement, Congress passed a law prohibiting cigarette advertising on television and radio, which took effect on January 2, 1971. This move was a significant step in broader public health efforts to discourage tobacco use and reduce the incidence of smoking-related disease.123