<Table> <Tr> <Td> </Td> <Td> The examples and perspective in this article deal primarily with the United States and do not represent a worldwide view of the subject . You may improve this article, discuss the issue on the talk page, or create a new article, as appropriate . (October 2010) (Learn how and when to remove this template message) </Td> </Tr> </Table> <Tr> <Td> </Td> <Td> The examples and perspective in this article deal primarily with the United States and do not represent a worldwide view of the subject . You may improve this article, discuss the issue on the talk page, or create a new article, as appropriate . (October 2010) (Learn how and when to remove this template message) </Td> </Tr> <P> An infomercial is a form of television commercial, which generally includes a toll - free telephone number or website . Most often used as a form of direct response television (DRTV), long - form infomercials are typically 28: 30 or 58: 30 minutes in length . Infomercials are also known as paid programming (or teleshopping in Europe). This phenomenon started in the United States, where infomercials were typically shown overnight (usually 2: 00 a.m. to 6: 00 a.m.), outside peak prime time hours for commercial broadcasters . Some television stations chose to air infomercials as an alternative to the former practice of signing off . By 2009, most infomercial spending in the U.S. occurred during the early morning, daytime and evening hours . Stations in most countries around the world have instituted similar media structures . The infomercial industry is worth over $200 billion . </P> <P> While the term "infomercial" was originally applied only to television advertising, it is now sometimes used to refer to any presentation (often on video) which presents a significant amount of information in an actual, or perceived, attempt to promote a point of view . When used this way, the term may be meant to carry an implication that the party making the communication is exaggerating truths or hiding important facts . Often, it is unclear whether the actual presentation fits this definition because the term is used in an attempt to discredit the presentation . Hence, political speeches or conventions may be derogatorily referred to as "infomercials" for a specific point of view . </P>

When a company pays to sponsor a program on a non commercial station is called