Publisher Richard H. Gilman made the announcement, saying, ``A primary role of newspapers is to maintain a free flow of information, often balancing different and sometimes opposing values. That includes advertising as well as editorial material. ``However, even though tobacco remains legal, its effect on public health is clear. We can no longer justify carrying advertisements that promote a product when the harm it causes is so evident and is now acknowledged even by one of the major tobacco companies. We can not in good conscience expose our readers, particularly our younger ones, to any more of these messages.'' Gilman said the new policy applies to ads that promote tobacco products and smoking. The paper will continue to consider for publication ads from tobacco companies that may sponsor an event or advocate a public policy position, provided they meet the Globe's standards of accuracy and presentation. The January 1 effective date was selected to allow time for any ads to appear that may already be committed in sections printed by others. Some items the Globe carries, such as supplements in its Sunday paper, are printed weeks before the actual day of distribution. Like most newspapers, the Globe tries to impose as few restrictions on advertising as possible, and it rejects ads for relatively few products. Among ads the Globe will not accept are those for handguns, ammunition, automatic weapons, adult movies, 900 numbers, dating and escort services and term paper agencies. Revenue from tobacco advertising has historically been a very small fraction of total revenue for the Globe. With the ban, the Globe joins a small list of newspapers that now reject tobacco advertising. Others not accepting tobacco ads include The New York Times, Honolulu Star-Bulletin, The Christian Science Monitor, The Portland (ME) Press Herald and Maine Sunday Telegram, The Deseret News of Salt Lake City, The Times Leader of Wilkes-Barre, Penn., and three papers in Washington: the Seattle Times, Walla Walla Union-Bulletin, and the Yakima Herald-Republic. Globe officials said its decision was entirely a local one, in accordance with New York Times Company policy that its individual papers have the autonomy to decide what kinds of advertising are acceptable. The Globe was acquired by The New York Times Company in 1993. The Boston Globe is a wholly-owned subsidiary of The New York Times Company (NYSE:NYT - news), a diversified media company, including newspapers, magazines, television and radio stations, and electronic information and publishing. The Company's core purpose is to enhance society by creating, collecting and distributing high-quality news, information and entertainment. The Company, which had 1998 revenues of $2.9 billion, publishes The New York Times, The Boston Globe and 21 regional newspapers; publishes three magazines, including Golf Digest; and operates eight network-affiliated television stations and two New York City radio stations. The Company operates nearly 50 Web sites, including nytimes.com, boston.com and winetoday.com as part of its Times Company Digital business unit. It also operates news, photo and graphic services as well as news and feature syndicates. The Company holds interests in one newsprint mill, one supercalendered paper mill and the International Herald Tribune S.A.S.

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