Olympic marketers have scant leeway in Tibet riots
Companies already committed to spending millions to advertise at the Beijing Olympics
would find it hard to pull their ads if they felt the situation in Tibet was hurting their images.
"The Coca-Cola company joins others in expressing deep concern for the situation on
the ground in Tibet," the company said in a statement.
"While it would be inappropriate for sponsors to comment on the political situation of
individual nations ... we firmly believe that the Olympics are a force for good," Coca-Cola said.
Samsung Electronics said the Games should not be a focus for political demonstrations
"and we hope that all people attending the Games recognize the importance of this."
Matsushita Electric Industrial Co Ltd, maker of the Panasonic brand, stressed its 20-year
history with the Olympics and said it would not comment "on political issues concerning
any government."
McDonald's, also a long-standing sponsor, said political issues need to be resolved by
governments and international institutions such as the United Nations.
"Our role is always to help support athletes and their teams the world over," spokesman
Walt Riker said.
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