Junkie Television

Abstract

The term “junkie television” illustrates what Commissioner Johnson believes is the role of radio and television in pushing people toward a “drug life”. By direct design, the drug manufacturers and advertising agencies encourage the massive consumption of drugs under the guise of promoting better health and happiness. As flagrant examples of this disregard for the public, he lists the deliberate misinformation and withholding of accurate information to consumers of over-the-counter drugs, and more importantly, the development and reinforcement of the use of medication to solve non-medical problems, without presenting viable positive alternatives. He singles out the failure of the government in protecting consumer interests and welfare. He laments the lack of consumer directed responsibility among government agencies and private business. He also feels that self-regulation is unlikely to solve the present situation, and argues strongly for counter advertising as a right of the consumer to be informed.