Infomercials Come First
When the Genie Bra takes over the local news: Sagging TV station gets a littlesupport
Are ads for the Genie Bra better viewing than the local news?
Crime reports, traffic, weather ... bra strap relief. That’s what you might get if you watch the ABC television affiliate at 7 p.m. in the Providence-New Bedford area, which also broadcasts into posh Martha’s Vineyard real estate.
MediaBistro’s TVSpy reported that viewers who tuned in Tuesday night expecting to see their local anchors deliver the usual nightly news, instead were presented news of a cure for underwires that dig and “specially designed magic pouches” that add a little oomph.
No, this is not an early April Fools' joke.
Providence’s WLNE, otherwise known as ABC6, the station that is “Honest, Fair, Everywhere” has not gotten kinky. Rather, it’s apparently gotten desperate.
The struggling station is up for sale and is facing an auction on March 22. In an unheard of move, it is replacing the news time slot (whenever it can be sold, that is) with infomercials, beginning with what must have been the ultimate in degradation to its news journalists, a Genie Miracle Bra infomercial.
Oh, the horror!
A call to Houston’s ABC affiliate, KTRK Ch. 13, to see what the station thought of such a programming decision resulted in the expected: A spokesperson declined to comment.
Having been a spinmeister myself for both television and radio in the past, I can’t imagine having to deal with this. Surely, for all the other ABC affiliated stations in the country this act by the Providence station would be like having an immediate family member turn into a leper.
You just don’t talk about it.
WLNE news director Dan Fabrizio confirmed to TVSpy that the bra infomercial did air, but he emphasized that the evening newscast is not canceled. “The 7 p.m. newscast was developed as an alternative to expensive syndication in prime access. From time to time, the station sells that time period,” Fabrizio said.
Their newscast is just a backup?
Color his face red.
Interestingly, whoever buys the station might not be getting an ABC station. ABC’s affiliation agreement with WLNE expires at the end of March and “ABC has the right to approve, in its sole discretion, any operator of the station.”
Maybe the Genie Bra people would be interested in owning it. It does needs a miracle.
No, it's not a Saturday Night Live parody. Here's a snippet of the Genie Bra infomercial:
The collection is available online and in Purple Brand's Galleria boutique. Photo by BFA for Crown Royal
The Crown Royal x Purple Brand collab features luxe textures, bold embellishments, and undeniable Houston energy.Photo by BFA for Crown Royal
