Seriously - Scott, your comments are on target. If you take a look at overall advertising over time (print, broadcast, outdoor), a disproportionate amount of ads toting “bad stuff” (fast foods, cigarettes, alcohol) are targeted to black households.

Let’s take outdoor as one example. Go into any typical inner city neighborhood and see how many billboards you find advertising cigarettes and alcohol. Then count the number of similar billboards you’ll find in a middle-class, predominantly white neighborhood.

Granted, a lot of this has to do with class and zoning laws. Without a doubt, no one is forcing the black media (or black-targeted media such as BET) to accept the ads in question.

I think the overarching issue is about balance when it comes to the dissemination of information and services to the black community. Unfortunately, there’s a lot more advertising reaching black households than information and support on how to maintain healthy lifestyles.

Come back and tell us why you think there is so much fast-food advertising on BET. We’re having a little fun, but we’re also having a discussion and would like to know what you think.

Scott

Maybe the ad account reps on BET and etc. need to get more companies that offer healthier food and beverages?
Mike

The biggest market for fast food is among people who don’t have a lot of money to spend on food, and who are in home situations — such as single-parent households — where it’s difficult to prepare meals at home regularly.

Unfortunately (for their health), blacks are disproportionately represented in this market.