The Shame of Magazine Advertising

The article "The Shame of Magazine Advertising" by Priscilla A. Labarbera, published in 1981, examined deceptive advertising in national magazines, focusing on weight loss, bust enhancement, and hair restoration products. It revealed that while some magazines, like Woman's Day, took steps to reject misleading ads, others struggled with verification. Industry associations and the FTC faced challenges in enforcement due to the transient nature of deceptive advertisers. The study concluded that magazines are legally responsible for their ads and can set standards without violating antitrust laws. Recommendations included better self-regulation, legal adherence, and collaborative efforts to eliminate deceptive advertising, aiming to protect consumers and enhance the credibility of the advertising industry.