Infomercial

Infomercials are television commercials that run as long as a typical television program (roughly thirty minutes or an hour). Infomercials, also known as paid programming (or teleshopping in Europe), are normally shown outside of peak hours, such as late at night or early in the morning. The word infomercial is a portmanteau which is formed by combining "information" and "commercial". As in any other form of advertisement, the content is a commercial message designed to represent the viewpoints and serve the interest of the sponsor. Infomercials are often made to closely resemble actual television programming, usually talk shows, with minimal acknowledgement that the program is actually an advertisement.

Related Topics:
Television - Portmanteau - Information - Commercial - Advertisement - Talk show

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An infomercial is designed to solicit a direct response which is specific and quantifiable and is therefore a form of direct response marketing (not to be confused with direct marketing). The delivery of the response is direct between the viewer and the advertiser. Normally commercials do not solicit a direct response from the viewer, but instead try to brand their product in the market place.

Related Topics:
Quantifiable - Direct response marketing - Direct marketing - Brand

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Infomercials may make use of flashy catchphrases, repetition of basic ideas, and the use of esteemed scientist-like characters or celebrities.

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Well known infomercial personalities include: Cher, George Foreman (with the George Foreman Grill), Mike Levey, Charlie McGlade, Ron Popeil, Kevin Trudeau, Bill Guthy, Greg Renker, Jeff Tuller, Horst Fusch and Tony Robbins.

Related Topics:
Cher - George Foreman - George Foreman Grill - Mike Levey - Charlie McGlade - Ron Popeil - Kevin Trudeau - Bill Guthy - Greg Renker - Jeff Tuller - Horst Fusch - Tony Robbins

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Because of the nature of infomercials, consumer advocates recommend careful investigation of the claims made on infomercials, including the company behind the product, before purchasing the featured products.

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