Infomercials On Major Network Affiliates In Daytime

[MarcB]

(the "Better" shows on the Meredith stations
may be as well, but I haven't seen any of them).

Better most certainly is not an infomercial. Better Connecticut hosted by Scot Haney and Kara Sundlun has a live studio audience. They discuss local and national news stories. They have in-studio cooking segments everyday. They give beauty makeovers once a week. They have reporters covering different events. A recent example they had Mark Dixon live from the Hunting and Fishing Expo at the Convention Center. They have local business owners on talking about their businesses. They have prize give-a-ways for home viewers. Mix that in with some national stuff. The only thing I don't like is the "paid" advertisement that airs at the end of the show talking about mortgages.

Better Connecticut airs live 10AM-11AM on Merdieth's WFSB/3, but starting Monday March 29th it will be airing 3PM-4PM as a lead-in to Oprah and then the news. "LMAD" will in turn move to 10AM

http://www.betterct.com/

Some of the "Better" affiliates don't have a local version and carry all national stuff such as WFSB's sister station in Springfield, MA - WSHM-LP/67 (WFSB Channel 3.2).

 

[formeraa]

Umm...I wonder how many of those segments on Better are paid for???

A bit naive to think that those local business and events aren't PAYING for coverage in most cases...

There is only a thin line between Better and an infomercial! BTW, out here in Arizona, every station has at least one or two lifestyle shows (Better, Sonoran Living, Arizona Midday, Valley Dish, Lifestyles A to Z, etc.). Many of the segments are paid. In fact, two of our morning "news" shows have paid segments.

 

[KyDXIn]

On Saturdays and Sundays when a network sports program ends shortly after 5:00 PM, [WKRG] airs an entire "paid program" or local newscast before joining "The CBS Evening News" all ready in progress.

In other words, the station usually shows news, but is willing to give it up if an infomercial company has the bucks for it. Correct?

That is what happened here in Louisville at WAVE (NBC) on Saturday and Sunday mornings. Newscasts were cut even when the ABC and CBS affiliates carry news prior to the network newscasts. In short, they gave up ratings for dollars.

 

[anotherguyTN]

That is what happened here in Louisville at WAVE (NBC) on Saturday and Sunday mornings.  Newscasts were cut even when the ABC and CBS affiliates carry news prior to the network newscasts.  In short, they gave up ratings for dollars.

This, along with Fox's Saturday morning infomercial block, shows what Saturday morning TV would become if it weren't for E/I requirements. There are too many stations that would fill the time with nothing but more infomercials.

The FCC needs to put more restrictions on how stations are allowed to run infomercials. The main rule that should be put in place is that stations should NEVER be allowed to pre-empt regular programming for them, especially in prime time.

 

[TheBigA]

The FCC needs to put more restrictions on how stations are allowed to run infomercials. The main rule that should be put in place is that stations should NEVER be allowed to pre-empt regular programming for them, especially in prime time.

The FCC doesn't make rules about programming. If they did what you want, they'd have to also apply to beg-athons on Public TV. They pre-empt regular shows during pledge months with rock concerts and doo-wop festivals, filled with long sales pitches for money. How is any of that different from info-mercials?

 

[imhomerjay]

Nor should the FCC waste any more money than it already is on such nonsense. The idiocy of the E/I rules is a big enough waste of effort, but they have zero basis for getting further involved in how businesses operate.

 

[anotherguyTN]

I hate the begathons on PBS stations as well. Not so much because of the specials themselves, but because of the constant interruptions to beg for money. Sometimes there will be specials I actually like, especially the classic rock shows. But then they will claim that "your donations will keep programs like this on your PBS station," then once the begathon is over you'll never see anything like the special you were watching again until the next begathon. To me that's false advertising.

I'm not a big fan of the E/I rules either, but most local stations would drop kids programming completely on Saturday mornings if they could get away with it, and too many of them would do nothing but load the schedule with more infomercials. How is that any kind of improvement?

 

[azumanga]

...they will claim that "your donations will keep programs like this on your PBS station," then once the begathon is over you'll never see anything like the special you were watching again until the next begathon. To me that's false advertising.

That's what I don't get -- "programs like this" are only seen during begathons, and donations would actually keep its normal shows like "Sesame Street", "Nova" and the Newshour on the air. Of course, they could say something like "lack of donations will keep programs like this on your PBS station." But then again, sometimes truth in advertising hurts.

I'm not a big fan of the E/I rules either, but most local stations would drop kids programming completely on Saturday mornings if they could get away with it, and too many of them would do nothing but load the schedule with more infomercials. How is that any kind of improvement?

Some stations would use the opportunity to expand their weekend news programming all morning long, which was what some stations were poised to do until E/I became law. In the pre-E/I days, some stations would only show only an hour of network children's programming and fill the rest themselves with local or syndicated programming. In the early-1990s, WLNE in Providence scotched the entire CBS Saturday morning schedule in favor of movies, and not necessarily kid-friendly flicks, either.

Of course these days, due to the economy and the changing atmosphere of broadcasting, many stations would simply fill the time with infomercials if E/I was lifted. The Fox network is doing it already with its two-hour "Weekend Marketplace" of infomercials, telling its affiliates to take care of E/I themselves.

 

[quadraphonic]

I hate the begathons on PBS stations as well. Not so much because of the specials themselves, but because of the constant interruptions to beg for money. Sometimes there will be specials I actually like, especially the classic rock shows. But then they will claim that "your donations will keep programs like this on your PBS station," then once the begathon is over you'll never see anything like the special you were watching again until the next begathon. To me that's false advertising.

I was thinking the same thing last weekend when they didn't run "Keeping Up Appearances" and the other British comedies. They did run something by Daniel O'Donnell, some songs about Ireland and such. I guess if you've ever heard of him, you might stop there. The other night they had some Celtic Thunder doing what looked like a cheesy, uninvolved Vegas act, covering a Police song.
"Programs like this" I guess they only mean "this" comes up during the begathon [which seems like it's into week 3 here].

 

[dave73]

I like the term "Begathons". I get annoyed by them too (even worse by programs shown during the "begathons" that normally aren't shown during the normal schedule. Such programs that have to do with self improvement (whether it's on the brain, relationships, financial advice (Suze Orman I believe gives some of the worst advice and refuse to have anything to do with her), or the occasional concert shows. I know WYIN out of Merrillville Indiana (licensed to Gary Indiana) holds a lot more "begathons" than WYCC & WTTW combined. Since their signal only reaches the south suburbs & NW Indiana, they don't get as much funding as WYCC & WTTW. Also, WTTW & WYCC hold exclusive programming that other stations might not be able to carry in the market (or in other markets for that matter). I don't know what all PBS programs only allow 1 station per market to carry, but I believe it could be a lot. I've seen Rick Steve's Europe being included in some of the "begathons" on occasion. At least WTTW has an advantage of having another channel. While it's a subchannel, they're able to move some programming over to WTTW Prime during "begathons". I believe WYIN also hold "begathons during programs such as Lawrence Welk & Hee Haw too (shows that aren't aired anywhere else in Chicago). I do remember for 2 days on January 1 & 2 when WTTW pulled Create from their subchannel to do a "Begathon" I also remember one or 2 days a "Begathon" was done on WTTW Prime as well. I didn't think that WTTW would do one of those on WTTW Prime as well, as they stated in a news article that the channel has little overhead. That channel has no additional staff & mainly show reruns of primetime shows 24 hours a day (they do show some new shows as well if they have a problem getting it scheduled in the main WTTW lineup).

The E/I requirement is something NBC especially doesn't like. I remember WMAQ airing a lot of news in the morning back in the 90's. If it weren't for that, WMAQ in Chicago would have more news on weekends along with some infomercials if they don't have programs scheduled in specific timeslots. WBBM-TV already shows some infomercials on weekends during the daytime (they show informercials in the overnight hours instead of the national news that's normally aired on most CBS stations). WLS-TV still shows E/I programming from ABC themselves and believe they've had no problem with it. WGN-TV would rather show infomercals on weekends during the daytime, if they could get away with it. I remember when the WB Kids was around, they pawned it on WCIU instead of carrying it themselves. Since WGN is part of the CW, I don't believe they can avoid carrying it (especially when WCIU dropped WB Kids before the demise of the WB). WTTW has no problem meeting the E/I requirement, but I wonder if they got a waiver to be exempted from carrying E/I programming on WTTW Prime & Create (though Create is programmed on the national level & carried on many cable systems) since it airs on the main channel. I believe WYCC would prefer to let WTTW carry the childrens programming as they like to focus more on other educational programming (usually college course programs) during daytime hours. WCIU I believe would prefer to focus on other programs on weekends (or infomercials if they don't have the timeslot filled). Not sure about Fox & MYN. I don't remember seeing Ion showing any E/I programming (unless they're simulcasting Qubo on Ion). I know Ion Life doesn't show E/I programming. Can't speak for Telemundo, Univision, & Telefutura on whether they showed E/I programming before the mandate & whether they would prefer to or not now. I believe though that since NBC owns Telemundo, that they would prefer not to carry E/I programming.

 

[DToTheJ]

In the early-1990s, WLNE in Providence scotched the entire CBS Saturday morning schedule in favor of movies, and not necessarily kid-friendly flicks, either.

I recall reading Saturday listings posted on the Classic TV forum of this very board, one time WLNE showed "Dog Day Afternoon" at 9 AM.

 

[azumanga]

I believe WYIN also hold "begathons during programs such as Lawrence Welk & Hee Haw too (shows that aren't aired anywhere else in Chicago).

I didn't even know that "Hee Haw" reruns were on terrestrial television (much less a public television station) -- last time I heard, I thought only RFD TV was carrying them.

WTTW has no problem meeting the E/I requirement, but I wonder if they got a waiver to be exempted from carrying E/I programming on WTTW Prime & Create (though Create is programmed on the national level & carried on many cable systems) since it airs on the main channel.

I think the law allows E/I exemptions for subchannels, if the main channel carries more E/I programming than the weekly three-hour minimum. Many PBS stations, including WTTW, carry more than three hours of E/I each day, no doubt making their compliance a piece of cake, without having to worry much about the bottom line.

 

[DToTheJ]

It's only a coincidence that PBS = government...

 

[dave73]

I believe WYIN also hold "begathons during programs such as Lawrence Welk & Hee Haw too (shows that aren't aired anywhere else in Chicago).

I didn't even know that "Hee Haw" reruns were on terrestrial television (much less a public television station) -- last time I heard, I thought only RFD TV was carrying them.

WTTW has no problem meeting the E/I requirement, but I wonder if they got a waiver to be exempted from carrying E/I programming on WTTW Prime & Create (though Create is programmed on the national level & carried on many cable systems) since it airs on the main channel.

I think the law allows E/I exemptions for subchannels, if the main channel carries more E/I programming than the weekly three-hour minimum. Many PBS stations, including WTTW, carry more than three hours of E/I each day, no doubt making their compliance a piece of cake, without having to worry much about the bottom line.

WYIN probably had a lot of feedback to continue airing HeeHaw & Lawrence Welk as examples (with money, calls & e-mails). I don't remember what else they show that neither WTTW nor WYCC carry. They have had to look at programs that neither station carry, due to some programs being exclusive to each of the stations (whether locally, or only being allowed to be aired on one PBS station in each market). Costs are more of an issue for WYIN as well, and WYIN may not be able to afford some PBS programs.

As for WTTW; they air more than 50 hours (probably around 60 hours) of childrens programming a week. Most it Monday - Friday. I believe 3-8 hours on weekends (though right now, they're passing on childrens programming on Saturdays & Sundays for the Begathons, or pledge drive). So if it's met on the main channel, then maybe they're able to be exempted from meeting the requirement on the subchannels. WYCC just meets the minimum on Sundays. WYIN airs around 25-30 hours a week of childrens programming.

Luckily, PBS stations can't air infomercials on their stations, as informercials are 30 minute commercials (or any station that holds a non-commercial license).

 

[KyDXIn]

I believe WYIN also hold "begathons during programs such as Lawrence Welk & Hee Haw too (shows that aren't aired anywhere else in Chicago).

I didn't even know that "Hee Haw" reruns were on terrestrial television (much less a public television station) -- last time I heard, I thought only RFD TV was carrying them.


I think the law allows E/I exemptions for subchannels, if the main channel carries more E/I programming than the weekly three-hour minimum. Many PBS stations, including WTTW, carry more than three hours of E/I each day, no doubt making their compliance a piece of cake, without having to worry much about the bottom line.

WYIN probably had a lot of feedback to continue airing HeeHaw & Lawrence Welk as examples (with money, calls & e-mails). I don't remember what else they show that neither WTTW nor WYCC carry. They have had to look at programs that neither station carry, due to some programs being exclusive to each of the stations (whether locally, or only being allowed to be aired on one PBS station in each market). Costs are more of an issue for WYIN as well, and WYIN may not be able to afford some PBS programs.

As for WTTW; they air more than 50 hours (probably around 60 hours) of childrens programming a week. Most it Monday - Friday. I believe 3-8 hours on weekends (though right now, they're passing on childrens programming on Saturdays & Sundays for the Begathons, or pledge drive). So if it's met on the main channel, then maybe they're able to be exempted from meeting the requirement on the subchannels. WYCC just meets the minimum on Sundays. WYIN airs around 25-30 hours a week of childrens programming.

Luckily, PBS stations can't air infomercials on their stations, as informercials are 30 minute commercials (or any station that holds a non-commercial license).

I checked their online tv schedule and didn't see any listings for "Hee Haw". Did this really happen? I thought only "Family Guy" aired reruns of "Hee Haw."

 

[dave73]

I believe WYIN also hold "begathons during programs such as Lawrence Welk & Hee Haw too (shows that aren't aired anywhere else in Chicago).

I didn't even know that "Hee Haw" reruns were on terrestrial television (much less a public television station) -- last time I heard, I thought only RFD TV was carrying them.


I think the law allows E/I exemptions for subchannels, if the main channel carries more E/I programming than the weekly three-hour minimum. Many PBS stations, including WTTW, carry more than three hours of E/I each day, no doubt making their compliance a piece of cake, without having to worry much about the bottom line.

WYIN probably had a lot of feedback to continue airing HeeHaw & Lawrence Welk as examples (with money, calls & e-mails). I don't remember what else they show that neither WTTW nor WYCC carry. They have had to look at programs that neither station carry, due to some programs being exclusive to each of the stations (whether locally, or only being allowed to be aired on one PBS station in each market). Costs are more of an issue for WYIN as well, and WYIN may not be able to afford some PBS programs.

As for WTTW; they air more than 50 hours (probably around 60 hours) of childrens programming a week. Most it Monday - Friday. I believe 3-8 hours on weekends (though right now, they're passing on childrens programming on Saturdays & Sundays for the Begathons, or pledge drive). So if it's met on the main channel, then maybe they're able to be exempted from meeting the requirement on the subchannels. WYCC just meets the minimum on Sundays. WYIN airs around 25-30 hours a week of childrens programming.

Luckily, PBS stations can't air infomercials on their stations, as informercials are 30 minute commercials (or any station that holds a non-commercial license).

I checked their online tv schedule and didn't see any listings for "Hee Haw". Did this really happen? I thought only "Family Guy" aired reruns of "Hee Haw."

They're doing their pledge drive right now. So it's on hiatus. It would usually be shown on Saturday nights. Most of their other programming isn't being shown in order to air programming that normally is shown during pledge drives. But unlike WTTW & WYCC, WYIN holds more pledge drives to stay on the air. So I don't know when it'll be back on (truthfully, I'd prefer that it not be back on, but there are people who like the show)