Being a show host on QVC or HSN might seem glamorous—just a few hours on-air, then off to relax, right? Not quite! On this podcast, we peel back the curtain to reveal everything viewers don't see. It's these behind-the-scenes moments that determine who thrives and who falters in the business. Later, we'll play a clip from HSN showing how the price …

If you've ever watched a TV shopping network and suddenly your favorite host has vanished. It can leave you wondering what happened and no explanation is usually given. In this episode, we look at the hows and whys of show hosts disappearing from your favorite networks. Video of Mary Beth Roe announcing her retirement from QVC…

Step into the intriguing world of retail drama with our podcast as we kick off with the jaw-dropping antics of a QVC host, rumored to have uttered something utterly absurd. But that's just the tip of the iceberg! Next, we whisk you through the bustling corridors of ShopHQ, catching you up on all the latest buzz, before delving into the sales saga o…

Step into the captivating world of retail dynamics as we dive headfirst into the latest buzz swirling around QVC/HSN, revealing the intriguing results stemming from its parent company, Qurate. But hold onto your seats, folks, because this isn't just your average rundown – it's a rollercoaster ride of analysis that'll leave you on the edge of your s…

Once upon a time, there were daring networks that boldly proclaimed, "We've got this!" Armed with ambition and determination, they ventured into the ever-evolving landscape of television commerce. Yet, despite their valiant efforts, their journeys ultimately led them to fade into the abyss of oblivion. Some bid farewell with a resounding fanfare, w…

Step into the mesmerizing world of salesmanship as we embark on a thrilling exploration of the greatest pitchmasters to ever grace the stage. Breaking barriers and defying stereotypes, these titans of persuasion transcended gender norms, leaving an indelible mark on the fabric of advertising history. From the bustling boardwalks of Atlantic City to…

This show is all about the "Are We On The Air?" YouTube page, and some new content which is now there. The page now features more clips from obscure shopping networks. Ever hear of STN Shop Television Network? How about USA Direct?By Shawn Wilsie

Step into the captivating world where the time-honored traditions of Infomercial and TV Shopping networks echo the charismatic pitchmen of Atlantic City's bustling boardwalks in the glamorous 1940s. Unveil the secrets behind the enduring allure of phrases like "but wait, there's more!" and the tantalizing dance of price drops, as we delve into the …

Embark on a journey through the riveting highs, heart-wrenching lows, and cinematic "creations" (????) birthed by the powerhouse trio of QVC, HSN, and ShopHQ in the exhilarating year of 2023. From dazzling successes to humbling setbacks, we dissect the strategies that soared and those that stumbled. As the curtain rises on 2024, what lies on the ho…

It's the late 1980s and the attitude is "TV shopping is easy to do", so everyone does it. What happens when the "Playboy Channel" cable network decides to try a tv shopping show? I think you know the answer...By Shawn Wilsie

The show begins with a tribute to the recent passing of one of the industry pioneers, then the conversation turns to a stream of consciousness chat about what happened to ValueVision/ShopNBC/ShopHQ/EvineLive/Evine/ShopHQ which caused the bankruptcy of its parent company, iMedia.By Shawn Wilsie

This show is dedicated to addressing the comments left, and questions asked about the TV shopping industry on social media, after episodes of this podcast. From drinking wine, to shipping costs, to the dress codes, many different topics are touched on. Then a look at the new shopping app Sune, which might be doing it right, before closing with two …

A busy show today as a series of podcasts about TV shopping and the law begins, QVC/HSN results, ShopHQ stock, and the death of the professional broadcaster in TV shopping and on television in general.By Shawn Wilsie

Could this really be it? The press release and CEO call regarding the iMedia results for fiscal year 2022?By Shawn Wilsie

It's the big day, when iMedia FINALLY announces their 2022 sales. Are you a betting person?By Shawn Wilsie

Jailed infomercial star Kevin Trudeau is out of jail, but managing to stay in the news. On this episode of "Are We On The Air" the present and future plans of Mr. Trudeau are examined. Then a presently popular infomercial is in the spotlight, and on the radar of at lest one Attorney General. Did I mention I've fallen and I can't get up?…

It's the second attempt at the numbers coming out for iMedia, the parent company of ShopHQ. Plus before it was ShopHQ/Evine/Evine Live/ShopHQ/ShopNBC it was ValueVision, and it's time for a look back at how it all started, on the TV station which launched "Mystery Science Theatre". Shawn will play some audio from ValueVision which hasn't been playe…

ShopHQ was scheduled to release their yearly numbers on March 22, so the show begins with a discussion of that. Following that is a look at why taking on-air phone calls can be a terrible idea, and when a show concept goes wrong. The remainder of the show looks at how marketing can affect a brands image, as several podcast listeners have asked abou…

Continuing the conversation about the bad news at QVC/HSN and what can be done, if anything, to right the ship. Son of QVC founder Joseph Segel, Marvin Segel, joins the show.By Shawn Wilsie

Nothing but bad news for TV shopping networks QVC and HSN, as they close their fiscal year. Special guest Marvin Segel, son of QVC founder Joseph Segel, joins the show to unpack the disappointing sales numbers, and discuss the sad layoffs of 400 employees. Joan Rivers salutes Joseph Segel The Wellness Kitchenista…

In the 1980s, television experienced a renewed interest in "Bingo" because of the direct-response connections. Once Home Shopping Club (later known as HSN) took off, it was almost inevitable that someone merged the two ideas together, in this pre-QVC world. For three months in late 1986, "Money Mania" was broadcast into 40 million homes. What went …

The planned show, what some shopping networks are doing right, will begin after a very deep dive into what's going on with Qurate stock, the owner of QVC and HSN. Plus, what might be a contender for worst holiday commercial of all-time. The show closes with a sad farewell to a small business who tried very hard to make a go of it on Facebook Live.…

QVC is getting into making movies, could this be a mistake? Plus a listen to a QVC host selling an iPad after telling you not to buy one before. The ShopHQ numbers are out and they finally tell us where Shaq is. All wrapped around a theme of Christmas and Santa is waiting for you to call him.By Shawn Wilsie

This show is an entertaining jumble of what hosts of tv shopping networks should and shouldn't do, hosts leaving the industry, where some of your favorite hosts are going, a look at a small network out of Georgia doing big things, all bookended by children's TV shows. We On The Air Podcast facebook page…

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 pageBy Shawn Wilsie

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 product…

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 (roughl…

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.By Shawn Wilsie

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.By Shawn Wilsie

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.By Shawn Wilsie

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.By 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, mor…

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".By Shawn Wilsie

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.By Shawn Wilsie

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.By Shawn Wilsie

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

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 …

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

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) stor…

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.By Shawn Wilsie

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 f…

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.By Shawn Wilsie

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.By Shawn Wilsie

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 th…

Our first quarterly look at the TV shopping industry, shows two very different pictures depending on which TV shopping network you're looking at.By Shawn Wilsie