Here's a video compilation we were working on for James Hoggan's recent keynote lecture to the Canadian Public Relations Society's national conference. We chose in the end to not use the video, but I thought it would be great for DeSmog readers.
Here's part two in the series we are doing on DeSmogBlog, comparing archived tobacco industry PR spin film footage with the current PR spin on global warming.
This one's based on a 1979 Tobacco Institute video describing the efforts PR "spokesmans" program.
Big Tobacco, in the form of the Tobacco Institute and The Advancement of Sound Science Coalition, wrote the book on manipulative PR tactics. Go no further than this 1982 news interview with a Tobacco Institute VP.
Sound familiar? Same talking points, bigger issue. We've acquired more than 20 hours of old Tobacco Institute video, so watch for more clips over the next few weeks on DeSmog TV.
Democracy is utterly dependent upon an electorate that is accurately informed. In promoting climate change denial (and often denying their responsibility for doing so) industry has done more than endanger the environment. It has undermined democracy.
There is a vast difference between putting forth a point of view, honestly held, and intentionally sowing the seeds of confusion. Free speech does not include the right to deceive. Deception is not a point of view. And the right to disagree does not include a right to intentionally subvert the public awareness.
