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Women and tobacco companies

by Anne Landman

This timeline describes how the tobacco industry has marketed to women, and how they use women's issues to sell their products.

No date List of reputable women's organizations
1990 (est.) Philip Morris develops the Virginia Slims Women's Poll as a media vehicle
This paper describes PM's rationale for the poll: "The Virginia Slims Women's Poll program will fulfill 4 major objectives of the Opinion Poll program. 1. Provide us with the opportunity to keep the Virginia SLims name top of mind in the community throughout the year. 2. Provide us the opportunity to reach women at the grass roots level. 3. Provide us the opportunity to reinforce the Virginia Slims Poll reputation by aligning ourselves with reputable women's organizations. 4. In some cases, provide sampling opportunities for the brand, reinforcing brand loyalty. Additionally, the Virginia Slims Opinion Poll program will enable women to gather in a setting that is supportive and enthusiastic.
13 Nov 1992 Philip Morris closely scrutinizes women and readership of women's magazines
This document lists characteristics of post-baby-boom era women and analyzes the types of women who read certain female-targeted magazines