US media lose $10 billion advertising in first half (Dinosaur Media DeathWatch™)

Financial Times ^ | September 1, 2009 | Andrew Edgecliffe-Johnson

[abb]

More than $10bn in advertising disappeared from US media markets in the first six months of this year, according to new data that show intense pressure on media owners and ad agencies as they search for other business models.

Preliminary figures from Nielsen show a 15.4 per cent year-on-year decline in US advertising revenues, the largest drop for any period in the decade since the marketing and media measurement group began compiling such reports.

The study showed sharp differences in the behaviour of different media and product categories, with cable television the only medium on which ad spend increased, up 1.5 per cent across English language channels and up 0.6 per cent for Spanish channels.

By contrast “spot” advertising, booked at short notice, fell by 17.4 per cent in the top 100 local TV markets and by 32.1 per cent in the 110 next largest markets. Even internet advertising, from which Nielsen’s excludes search engine spending, slipped 1 per cent.

Newspapers, for some time the weakest media performers because of the online migration of classified advertising, turned in further heavy declines. Local and national newspapers saw 13.2 per cent and 22.8 per cent falls respectively, as Sunday supplement advertising dropped 22.4 per cent nationally and 45.7 per cent locally.

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[lysie]

I think we need a mega fundraiser to help them. /s

;-)

[N. Theknow]

Orlando Sentinel automatically renews subscriptions unless you call to cancel. Little tiny disclaimer on their billing statement informs subscribers of this "handy" thing they are doing for you and you. Finding a number to call to cancel is like finding hens' teeth.

Friendly person on the phone reminded me that I would be missing out on "coupons and TV guide."

"Don't you want to keep getting coupons and TV Guide?"

She was speechless when I said, "So, you are telling me your paper's writers and reporters are worthless cause the only reason you can give me to keep getting your paper is coupons and TV Guide?"

I also get a weekly call from The Ledger (Parent Company - NYT) reminding me of all the great coupons I am missing and they have really, really changed and I will like the new paper and don't I want to start taking it again?

The telemarketer the last several weeks has been a cell-phone registered in Atlanta, GA.

[GOPJ]

thanks for the ping