Beverage Industry PR

Analysis:

This story is what appears to be based on a press release from the American Beverage Association. This organization is not a neutral group. A look at their board of directors should be an indicator to people about what their interests are.

The story claims that the industry group wants to “join the fight against the increasing rate of childhood obesity,” but the channel 8 news reader never questions the industry intentions, nor provides a different perspective. The story provides the claim from the American Beverage Association that “drinks are not inherently bad and can be fine for active children who eat correctly.” This comment provides no context, such as the tremendous lobbying that the industry and individual soda companies engage in to push their products on children.

Story:

WOOD TV 8 News reader – Well, here is a story that ought to have lots of parents talking. The American Beverage Association is saying that they think it is a good idea to remove soda pop from elementary schools. Imagine that. The group recommended Tuesday that such drinks be pulled from vending machines in elementary schools. Their reasoning? The industry needs to join the fight against the increasing rate of childhood obesity. The groups’ president argues drinks are not inherently bad and can be fine for active children who eat correctly, but he says parents need to be sure their children are not getting excessive amounts of sugary drinks in school. Under the groups’ recommendation, Middle schoolers would have access to other kinds of drinks – like sports drinks, diet soda, and low calorie juices. High School students do have access to soda and the other drinks, but the machine would also have to be stocked with no more than 50% soda.

Total Time: 52 seconds