Using collectable toys, television commercials, promotional schemes in schools and figures
such as Ronald McDonald, McDonald’s pursued its main target group – children. Many
parents objected strongly to the influence this had over their own children. McDonald’s
adhered to all the advertising codes in each country. But some argued that it still amounted
to exploitation of children, sponsoring so many school events and learning programs out of
publicity, not philanthropy. In view of this criticism, McDonald with some other companies
vowed to devote at least half of their radio, print, television and internet advertising to
promoting more healthful products and healthy lifestyle. Mary Dillon, McDonald’s Chief
Marketing Officer said that McDonalds planned to put more emphasis on physical activity in
ads and was reviewing how it could use licensed characters. Disney characters were used
extensively by McDonald’s at one time but the entertainment company decided to allow its
characters to push products that met certain nutritional guidelines’xxi.