Tobacco Commercials Banned on All MBC Channels Our Correspondent

Source from:  Khaleejtimes.com 10 November 2008 11/11/2008

The Middle East Broadcasting Center (MBC) has decided to not telecast tobacco advertisements worth SR500 million, according Health Minister Hamad Al Manie. The minister, who was speaking at a Press conference at the ministry of health in Riyadh on Saturday, said that the decision to ban cigarette commercials on all MBC channels was conveyed to him by MBC Chairman Waleed Al Ibrahim over the weekend. Al Ibrahim said tobacco companies tried to talk him out of the decision and offered to pay more money. "No matter what you do, I will not rescind my decision. No cigarette commercials will be broadcast on the MBC," Al Ibrahim told the companies. Al Manie said the MBC chairman reaffirmed the television network's solidarity with the ministry of health in its campaign against smoking. He appreciated MBC's decision. He said his ministry spends about SR8 billion every year on campaigning against smoking and treating those who suffer from smoke-related illnesses. "Our campaign against smoking will continue unabated, he said. Enditem