And they are probably paid handsomely for collecting and disseminating the information. But, it's not surprising such happens or, shouldn't be. Heck, the NRA does the same with germane information, collecting and disseminating information on gun laws, proposed gun laws, etc. Every professions have organizations which collect and disseminate information. They'd be derelict if they didn't. I bet "pro-life" organizations do it as well their counter-part. All PACS do. It's certainly nothing insidious and if you don't know what's going on in your area of concern you can neither fight nor defend.
Tobacco companies subscribe subscribe to the information.