In October 2000, a critical question confronted America Online Inc. as it sought to clinch the largest merger in U.S. history: Was it feeling the effects of an industry-wide slowdown in advertising?

Gone are its on-air use of black-and-white photos of network talent and its exclusive reliance on yellow as a background color.

Improved second-quarter financial results at The New York Times Co. and USA Today publisher Gannett Co. Inc. on Tuesday hinted at a resurgence in the hard-hit advertising sector, but analysts cautioned that the rebound may be slow to gain momentum.

There's something to celebrate for the cable TV networks as preseason ad sales beat expectations.

The Meow Mix Co., Secaucus, N.J., said today it would launch a half-hour program, Meow TV, this fall targeted directly at TV-watching cats.

D'Arcy Masius Benton & Bowles, BBDO New York and DiNoto Lee sense opportunity in adversity as they hire senior managers for new posts, expand operations and position themselves for an upturn in advertising spending.

Accounting questions continue at agency.

Television viewers could face paying for channels they now receive free if digital video recorders kill commercials, said Jamie Kellner, chairman of Turner Broadcasting System.

The Newspaper Association of America (NAA) hopes to better organize its programs and sponsorships, as well as increase focus on readership initiatives.

AOL Time Warner Inc. has begun a search for an executive to take the helm of its America Online division, fueling uncertainty about the continued tenure of Robert Pittman, the media company's chief operating officer, The Wall Street Journal reported Friday.