The old TNN network[1], (before it pivoted to Spike) programming was probably a pioneer of sponsored content - besides that kind of gearhead fare, it was chockablock full of hunting and fishing programming that was basically just advertising for Remington, Browning, Bass Pro Shops, etc.<p>[1] <a href="https:&#x2F;&#x2F;en.wikipedia.org&#x2F;wiki&#x2F;The_Nashville_Network" rel="nofollow">https:&#x2F;&#x2F;en.wikipedia.org&#x2F;wiki&#x2F;The_Nashville_Network</a>