STATE OF FLORIDA,
TOBACCO PILOT PROGRAM

This highly visible "TRUTH" program was the first of its kind in the nation. It was developed from funds provided to the state by tobacco companies.

The media buy used a commercial "road block" (spots purchased at a premium cost that are planned to run at the same time across all stations) to kick off the campaign. Additionally, one bonus spot for each paid spot was expected from the stations.

Although the State of Florida paid up to seven times the going rate for spots to run as a road block, that did not occur. While bonus spots were negotiated, many stations preempted the bonus spots and did not provide make goods.

The audit identified the need to track television station compliance to buying instructions. More than $500,000 worth of compensation at issue was discovered by this audit.