With our free press under threat and federal funding for public media gone, your support matters more than ever. Help keep the LAist newsroom strong, become a monthly member or increase your support today during our fall member drive.
Remembering Ron Popeil, The Man Behind Veg-O-Matic And Many As-Seen-On-TV Gadgets
Listen
• 1:25
SCOTT SIMON, HOST:
(Imitating Ron Popeil) Have you ever wondered who to thank for the Showtime Rotisserie - set it and forget it - the Chop-O-Matic, Veg-O-Matic and the electric food dehydrator - but wait, there's more - Mr. Microphone, the inside-the-egg scrambler, hair-in-a-can spray, the smokeless ashtray and Popeil's pocket fisherman?
Ron Popeil, who died this week at the age of 86 - he founded the Ronco company in 1964. It created and marketed products, gadgets some might call them, on late-night TV ads that were often mocked but were highly effective - like our credits for BJ Leiderman, who writes our theme music.
Ron Popeil got his start at age 16, selling products his father's factory produced on Chicago's Maxwell Street. By his 20s, he was selling his own products on TV - reportedly sold more than a billion dollars' worth of gadgets, several of which are now in the Smithsonian, that promise to make some everyday tasks a little easier. The most famous phrase of his sales pitch seemed to echo some of the optimism of America - but wait, there's more.
Support for LAist comes from
(SOUNDBITE OF BRASS KNUCKLE BRASS BAND'S "THE PENGUIN") Transcript provided by NPR, Copyright NPR.
At LAist, we believe in journalism without censorship and the right of a free press to speak truth to those in power. Our hard-hitting watchdog reporting on local government, climate, and the ongoing housing and homelessness crisis is trustworthy, independent and freely accessible to everyone thanks to the support of readers like you.
But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
Chip in now to fund your local journalism
(
LAist
)
Trending on LAist
-
Flauta, taquito, tacos dorados? Whatever they’re called, they’re golden, crispy and delicious. -
If California redistricts, the conservative beach town that banned LGBTQ Pride flags on city property would get a gay, progressive Democrat in Congress. -
Most survivors of January's fires face a massive gap in the money they need to rebuild, and funding to help is moving too slowly or nonexistent. -
Kevin Lacy has an obsession with documenting California’s forgotten and decaying places. -
Restaurants share resources in the food hall in West Adams as Los Angeles reckons with increasing restaurant closures. -
It will be the second national day of protest against President Donald Trump.
Best of LAist