In the report Weiner contends "...spokespeople have happily agreed to promote Goldline by playing off the fear of inflation, to encourage people to purchase gold as an investment that will protect them from an out of control government." He has especially targeted Glenn Beck as being guilty of this.
Does Rep. Weiner have a case? And what is Beck's defense?
Current Status
Weiner's report accuses Goldline of forming "an unholy alliance" with conservative radio and TV hosts."On numerous occasions, Glenn Beck has dedicated entire segments of his program to explaining why the U.S. money supply is destined for hyperinflation with Barack Obama as president. He will often promote the purchase of gold as the only safe investment alternative for consumers who want to safeguard their livelihoods. When the show then cuts to commercial break, viewers are treated to an advertisement from Goldline."
History
Radio and TV Programs Have Always Had Close Relationships with SponsorsCommercial sponsors have always sought programming which was relevant to their products.
During the "Golden Age of Radio", some programs were outright named for sponsors: The Voice of Firestone and The Bell Telephone Hour were both classical music programs. Texaco Star Theater starring Milton Berle started on radio and then moved to television. Of that Wikipedia says:
On television, continuing a practice long established in radio, Texaco included its brand name in the show title. When the television version launched, Texaco also made sure its employees were featured prominently throughout the hour, usually appearing as smiling "guardian angels" performing good deeds of one or another kind, and a quartet of Texaco singers opened each week's show with [a Texaco] theme song.
Radio and TV hosts have been spokespeople for products almost from the beginning of commercial broadcasting.
According to old-time.com:
Tums was (and still is) specially made "For The Tummy." When you really think of it, the commercials for Tums during the 1950's was really a stroke of genius by the advertising agency for Lewis-Howe (the makers of Tums). For their celebrity, Don Wilson was hired as the Tums commercial spokesman. Needless to say, Wilson was one of the best and most popular radio announcers in the business, but he would also be the perfect spokesman to sell the antacid. If you're a fan of THE JACK BENNY PROGRAM, you already know that Jack Benny kidded Wilson mercilessly for having a large stomach. With that thought in mind, it made sense for Wilson to sell Tums For The Tummy on the air.
