Economist Group to Cease Tobacco Sponsorship Deals
Economist Impact, the events division of The Economist Group, will stop new work with tobacco companies following criticism revealed by a Guardian investigation. Their commercial ties led to the cancellation of a high-profile cancer conference, and two future conferences in London are now uncertain. Economist Impact prioritizes healthcare and will no longer accept tobacco sponsorship, although previous pro-tobacco content and future sponsorship from BAT have been noted. The Economist newspaper remains editorially independent from Economist Impact.
Economist Impact, the events division of The Economist Group (TEG), has decided to stop any new work with tobacco companies following criticism over its commercial ties with Philip Morris International (PMI), Japan Tobacco International (JTI), and British American Tobacco (BAT).
This decision was prompted by a Guardian investigation that revealed the backlash from speakers and organizations over these ties led to the cancellation of a high-profile cancer conference.
Two upcoming conferences in London are now uncertain as numerous health experts and organizations, including the NHS, have pulled out.
TEG spokesperson stated that Economist Impact, prioritizing healthcare as a strategic focus, will no longer accept tobacco sponsorship.
Despite this, Economist Impact has previously published pro-tobacco content and BAT continues to sponsor future Economist Impact's events.
The Economist newspaper maintains its editorial independence from Economist Impact and its clients or board.
This decision was prompted by a Guardian investigation that revealed the backlash from speakers and organizations over these ties led to the cancellation of a high-profile cancer conference.
Two upcoming conferences in London are now uncertain as numerous health experts and organizations, including the NHS, have pulled out.
TEG spokesperson stated that Economist Impact, prioritizing healthcare as a strategic focus, will no longer accept tobacco sponsorship.
Despite this, Economist Impact has previously published pro-tobacco content and BAT continues to sponsor future Economist Impact's events.
The Economist newspaper maintains its editorial independence from Economist Impact and its clients or board.
