CBS-TV To “De-emphasize” Use of Cigarettes on Programs

Feb. 15, 1964 - Television program producers were alerted this week that the use of cigarettes on shows to be presented by CBS “shall be de-emphasized.” Michael H. Dann, vice president of programs, said the move was in accordance with the recent amendment to the television industry code that rules out the depiction of cigarette smoking as a healthful or desirable habit. A big question at CBS is how the new policy might affect the chain-puffing of the star of “The Jackie Gleason Show” while he is on camera every Saturday night.