When was the first "infomercial" aired, and what did it sell?

skysmom65

In the fall of 1984, Herbalife aired the first infomercial on USA Network. Twenty years later, spray-on hair, grills named after boxers, and food dehydrators are part of the national conversation -- if not actually in American cupboards. What is the lasting impact of infomercials? Hear NPR's Scott Simon and Adweek magazine's Barbara Lippert. http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=1979265 Sep 14 06, 1:53 PM

arctic_wolves

Since the first Infomercial aired for Waring Blenders in 1949, air time has been sold to advertisers as "short form" infomercials; (30 to 120 second ads), or "long form" program length infomercials. http://www.tmivision.com/Introduction.html Sep 14 06, 1:59 PM

What-A-Mess

The Vita-Meata-Vegamin supplement on I Love Lucy! Sep 14 06, 2:02 PM

skysmom65

What amess: That is just too funny! I still love "I Love Lucy" and that was one of the best episodes! http://www.theartman.com/celebrities/lucille_ball_vitameatavegamin.html Sep 14 06, 2:07 PM

Brainyblonde

The 1893 Columbian Exposition The World's First Infomercial? Kris Murray© 1997 http://www.svcc.edu/academics/classes/murray/hum210/wrldfair.htm Sep 14 06, 4:37 PM