A study by the Center on Alcohol Marketing and Youth at Georgetown University finds that television ads for alcohol increased 97% from 2001 to 2003,

In Omaha, Neb., the report said, more than 124,000 alcohol commercials were aired on television in 2003, with 26% of the ads reaching viewers under the age of 21.

Furthermore, the study said that the most popular advertising times for alcohol advertisers were during the top 15 teen programs.

“Whether it’s by choice or by accident, certainly over a quarter of those ads were aimed at or were more likely to be seen by audiences primarily of youth,” said Loel Schettler of Project Extra Mile, an anti-drinking group in Omaha.

Budweiser of Omaha contends that it targets its advertising to an older age group. “Our target demographic is a little heavier male in the 25 to 49 demo,” said Mary Wajada, Budweiser’s public-relations director. “We have never been — nor will we ever be — trying to promote underage drinking.
Source: KETV-7 , Omaha reported Oct. 12. 2004