Infomercial - Combination of the words "information" and "commercial." The content is a commercial message designed to inform viewers and to serve the interest of the sponsoring product.^[1]

Infomercials are often designed to appear to be an actual television program. Most cases, they are simply a form of advertisement, but they can also be a strong form of broadcast direct marketing. ^[2]

Infomercials have been defined as a longer than average advertisement that ranges in duration from 3 to 60 minutes. ^[3] 

Infomercials are a form of Direct Marketing which is designed to solicit a response.^[4]

The products frequently marketed through infomericals at the national level include cleaning products, appliances, food preparation devices, dietary supplements, alternative health aids, memory improvement courses, books, compilation albums,  videos of numerous general, real estate investment strategies, beauty supplies, baldness remedies, sexual enhancement supplements, weight loss products, personal fitness devices, home exercise machines, and adult chat lines.⁵

Infomercials became immensely popular after 1984 when the FCC eliminated regulations imposed in the 50's and 60's to govern the content of television commercials. 

Criticisms and Legal Issues

• Questionable nature of some products
• "The following is a paid advertisement" disclaimer
• Diet/Weightloss claims
• Gray areas surrounds claims of testimonials ("non-typical" and "completely fabricated") ⁶