Buying from a Friend: A Content Analysis of Two Teleshopping Programs

Abstract

A preliminary study was conducted to content-analyze random samples of two teleshopping programs (The Fashion Channel and Quality Value Convenience Network), using a measure of content interactivity and a locus of control message index. QVC spent more time in high parasocial interaction as well as low interaction, while The Fashion Channel was highest on medium interaction. QVC also offered significantly more external positive and negative messages than The Fashion Channel. Based on the indications of previous research, it appears that QVC was better tailoring its message for its intended target audience than The Fashion Channel was at the time of the study.