National Geographic USA
Reading about obesity in the National Geographic magazine and in its sister publication National Geographic Kids can be confusing. The National Geographic's August issue explores if genetics, diet, larger meal sizes at restaurants, sedentary living and commercials on bad food lead to obesity. But the May issue of National Geographic Kids is being accused of contributing to the obesity problem by running ads for unhealthy food.
So, the Washington-based Center for Science in the Public Interest has written to the National Geographic Society, publisher of the magazines, complaining about the ads for products like Hostess cupcakes and Kellogg's Smorz cereal in the publication, reports the New York Times.
"It is unconscionable that the Society has chosen to cram National Geographic Kids magazine with advertisements for sugary cereals, candy and snack foods," the letter says. The complaints stem from National Geographic Kids' May issue, which was wrapped in an ad for Arby's, the sandwich shop chain. The wrapper was marked 'advertisement' but resembled the magazine's cover.
Rainer Jenss, publisher of National Geographic Kids, says that the criticism would be carefully considered. "We are going to sit down and go line by line over the points that they made. But parents are the real gatekeepers between Madison Avenue and their children," he says.
According to the Publishers Information Bureau, ad pages in National Geographic Kids grew 7.5 per cent from January through June 2004, compared with the period last year. Jenss says advertising provides financing for the magazine's educational mission. "We do accept advertising from these companies because, from a pure economic standpoint, they're the ones with the advertising budget and marketing dollars to reach kids this way," he says.
We are a voice to you; you have been a support to us. Together we build journalism that is independent, credible and fearless. You can further help us by making a donation. This will mean a lot for our ability to bring you news, perspectives and analysis from the ground so that we can make change together.
.png)
Comments are moderated and will be published only after the site moderator’s approval. Please use a genuine email ID and provide your name. Selected comments may also be used in the ‘Letters’ section of the Down To Earth print edition.