• Ad Age, Thursday, September 13, 2007 11:15 AM

U.S. ad spending in the first half fell 0.3% to $72.6 billion, the first time it has dropped two quarters in a row since 2001, according to TNS Media Intelligence. And things could get even worse in the future, notes the CEO of the ad-tracking outfit: "While the protracted downturn in automotive spending has been a prime contributor, the overall results reflect weakness across a wide range of industries and advertisers," says Steven Fredericks. "Given the uncertainties about near-term economic growth and consumer spending, we expect core ad spending will continue to face challenges during the second half of the year."

Among the few media categories posting gains were cable TV, up 2.8%; consumer magazines, up 6.9%; Sunday magazines, up 4.3%; outdoor, up 3.6%; and the Internet--which soared 17.7%, not including keyword search or video advertising. Some of those taking a beating were network TV, off 3.6%; spot TV, down 5.4%; local newspapers, down 5.7%; national papers, down 6.4%; and national spot radio, which fell 5.3%.

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