Advertising, ad campaigns, ad agencies, and the people that make it happen

Living here in the States, I am used to the non-stop bombardment of inane pharmaceutical advertising, particularly on TV, aimed at convincing people to buy drugs they don't need for ailments they don't have. Europe is about to suffer the same fate. Four of the world's biggest pharmaceutical companies are proposing to launch a television station to tell the public about their drugs, amid strenuous lobbying across Europe by the industry for an end to restrictions aimed at protecting patients. "Pharma TV" would be a dedicated interactive digital channel funded by the industry with health news and features but, at its diseased heart, would be detailed, relentless information from drug companies about their medicines. A 10-minute pilot DVD,  featured a white-coated doctor discussing breast cancer and a woman patient who reassured viewers that "there are many new treatments available". Under the proposals, viewers could use their remote control to click on treatment options and read what manufacturers have to say about the latest branded breast cancer drugs. All I can say is God help Europe if the leeches running the drug business get their way.

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Hey... Trust me, this stuff's good for you... Have I ever lied to you?