Public Health Association Welcomes ‘Gritty’ New Quit Smoking Commercials
Media release, 3 July 2006
The Public Health Association (PHA) is calling new Quit Group commercials gritty and realistic. PHA Director Dr Gay
Keating says the commercials realistically portray the struggle and emotions associated with quitting smoking.
“Nicotine is one of the most addictive substances known, and quitting smoking is not easy. However, as these commercials
show, it can be done.”
The campaign – Video Diaries – launches on television today. The unscripted documentary-style commercials follow people
as they quit smoking, focusing on their successes and frustrations, and the strategies they use to quit.
Dr Keating says studies have found that television advertisements are very effective in helping people to quit -
particularly those featuring smoking-related illnesses or quit tips.
“Because television commercials reach large numbers of people, they are a very cost effective way of helping people to
quit. The Quit Group is to be congratulated for the Video Diaries campaign.”
ENDS