Short Answer 
Ed McMahon was never associated with Publishers Clearing House (PCH) but worked with American Family Publishers (AFP) in the 1980s and 1990s. The marketing similarities between AFP and PCH, such as large checks and surprise winner visits, have led to a widespread false memory among the public regarding McMahon’s true affiliation.
Step 1: Clarification of Associations
Ed McMahon was never associated with Publishers Clearing House (PCH). Instead, he was prominently linked to another company called American Family Publishers (AFP). In the 1980s and 1990s, McMahon collaborated with fellow television personality Clark in promoting AFP through various commercials.
Step 2: Marketing Strategies of Competitors
Both AFP and PCH employed similar marketing techniques that led to public confusion. They utilized strategies such as:
- Large checks: Shown in ads to convey winning excitement.
- Surprise winner visits: Destined to create engaging and memorable content.
- Magazine subscriptions: Encouraging sign-ups for potential sweepstakes entries.
These overlapping tactics fostered a misleading perception of McMahon’s affiliation with PCH.
Step 3: The Public’s False Memory
Due to the similarities in marketing and the prominent figures involved, a widespread false memory emerged. Many people mistakenly recall Ed McMahon being involved with PCH. In reality, his actual role was exclusively with AFP, and Netflix’s portrayal in the past further clouded the truth, perpetuating this misconception among the public.