Are We On The Air?©

In this latest edition, a look at a brilliant hire by Qurate, one of the successful infomercials of 2022 is analyzed to show why it's successful, and the reveal of the podcasts new facebook page. link to Are We On The Air Podcast facebook page

Season two kicks off with a look at how the sales are going at QVC, HSN, and ShopHQ in the second quarter of their fiscal years.  QVC is making some changes, many of which were suggested on this very podcast in season one.  There are new hosts at QVC, one fewer at ShopHQ, and where is Shaq?  Plus a quick tribute to an amazing pet, for whom the production company is named after.  

In the finale to season one, the Quarate numbers for Q1 are out, and it isn't pretty.  Plus, the president of HSN sent an email to the customers, what did it say?  Shawn will tell you.  Then a look back at a very famous commercial from 1980, before we wrap up season one with some thoughts, comments, and plugs.  Season 2 will debut September 1st (roughly).     Cameraman Reys Kickstarter   Luling Wa...

TV shopping meets facebook, in this episode which could also be explained by the old adage "everything old is new again".  Today Shawn examines the small businesses who are taking to facebook in a way, almost identical to how the founders of the tv shopping industry were doing it forty years ago.  

First there was TV, then cable TV, then OTT (over the top) TV and now it's all about CTV.  In this episode, Shawn looks at how the future of all the cable shopping networks could be in something similar to an app., which QVC is already using on AppleTV.  

For many, their introduction to the world of shopping on TV wasn't QVC, CVN or the Home Shopping Club, but the syndicated "Telephone Auction Shopping Program".  Auctioneer Chuck Huggins guided the viewer through a frenzied hour, which couldn't epitomize the 1980s more if it tried.  

Good friend of the show Marvin Segel, son of the man who created QVC Joe Segel, returns to discuss the current state of affairs at QVC/HSN, in a very frank and honest discussion with host Shawn Wilsie.  

What can go wrong when you're doing a live show, from a remote location?  Only everything.  While some networks over-produce what they do, some under produce.  We'll listen to what happens when you don't plan enough; and when you send a guest to work with a celebrity guest on location, and leave your star host back in the studio, alone.  But first, more of the listener-voted annoying commercials....

The parent company of QVC and HSN is going through some tough times.  Today the focus is on the hosts of the networks, and if their role needs to be updated.  Plus, a quick "distraction".  

The segment which was started on the last episode, concludes on this one and Shawn almost loses his mind.  Then an examination of the yearly numbers for QVC.  The show closes with another example of the annoying commercials, the listener voted on.  

Could a regional grocery store chain from the north, have some of the most annoying TV commercials running today?  It's a distinct possibility, as "Are We On The Air?" begins a look a the commercials that the listeners selected.  

Have you checked your zip code?  Well you might want to listen to this epiosde of "Are We On The Air?" first. 

If you listen to QVC/HSN, the TV shopping sales are imploding.  If your network name starts with "Shop", it's a very different world.  In this episode, Shawn evaluates the very different sales results in Q4 from the networks, and then offers his advice to QVC on how to easily improve it's numbers, with four basic things it's doing wrong. 

Author Zen Love (maybe the greatest name ever) recently penned an article about Invicta Watches, which launches this episode of "Are We On The Air?", where the focus is the world of selling watches on TV, and why it isn't working outside of the Invicta universe.  Also, a comparison of Invicta to the Swiss Brands.

It's quite the show as some very sad news to start 2022 for QVC, and some unwanted news for ShopHQ.  To lighten things up, Shawn closes with a look at one of the most legendary film directors turned TV pitchman, trying hard to work through his commercial, after perhaps sampling too much of the product.  

Season 1 wraps up with good friend of the show Steve Bryant sharing more stories about the crazy world of infomercials, plus what it was like writing a successful book about camcorders.  If you're enjoying this series, please make certain to subscribe wherever your get your podcasts.  Spotify, apple podcasts, IHeartRadio, Audacy, Google Podcasts and many more.  The show returns for season 2 in 202...

In this special Christmas edition, the top three Christmas commercials of all time are counted down.  Plus two that stunk. 

Welcome to a look deep inside the world of infomercials, with the host of two of the highest grossing infomercials of all time, Mr. Steve Bryant.  Steve goes into great detail about how much work is put in, way before the cameras start rolling.  You'll also enjoy a listen to a description of products Steve was pitched, and he turned down.  

In this last interview, for now, with Ryan Johnson, he shares some insight to what his first invicta show was actually like.  Then Ryan shares some of the funny moments which have happened with him and Shawn in their off air socializing, including Ryan's visit to Texas after Shawn had surgery.  There's some very funny (and probably embarrassing) stories to be heard in this one.  

On this episode, Ryan Johnson from the Invicta Watch Group shares his hobbies, then shares some very funny and memorable moments from his past shows.  

Step into the spotlight with Invicta's very own Ryan Johnson, who's gracing the airwaves as the esteemed guest on this exclusive episode of "Are We On The Air?". Get ready for a captivating journey as Ryan delves into the secrets behind Invicta's soaring success, unveils the mysteries behind its fiercely devoted fanbase, and regales us with tales from his glamorous beginnings in the world of model...

Today it's a quick glance back to 1987 and some audio of the late Steve Chaney, who is hosting on Home Shopping Club.  It was a very different world back then.  

The legendary infomercial star, QVC host, and musician Steve Bryant returns to discuss a wide range of topics from the big name rock stars he's worked with to the state of the TV shopping industry today.  Please enjoy another very funny show, with some great stories.  

Disgraced televangelist Jim Bakker is back at it again, and selling products on TV more gratuitously than ever.  Every tv shopping stereotype from the earliest days is on display in this episode from the "Jim Bakker Show".  Later Shawn looks back on how QVC probably ruined the credibility of the TSV over Black Friday weekend.  

Over 50 years ago, the way you sold products on TV started to change, as the ad agencies started to get creative.  Today we look back at some of these commercials and cringe at what we thought was a good idea at the time.  The lesson being, be careful how you pitch products, because you don't want to look back 50 years from now and say "what was I thinking?".