US advertising spending rose by 5.9% in 2002, according to preliminary figures from Nielsen Monitor-Plus, the advertising information service of Nielsen Media Research.
Hispanic television experienced the greatest gain, at 10.2%, while local newspapers grew 9.4% and network television rose by 8.3%. Advertising spending for two of the reported media declined. National newspapers fell 7.1%, whilst syndicated television spending declined 7.5%.
“Second half activity, and the fourth quarter in particular, demonstrated an acceleration of the industry’s recovery,” said Jeff King, managing director of Nielsen Monitor-Plus.
“A strong end-of-year comparison was not totally unexpected, given the weak September-December period in 2001. However, expenditures for internet, local magazines, FSIs, and national/local Sunday supplements were not available at press time, which could have an impact on overall media spending comparisons,” notes King.