Business

Total advertising expenditures increased 6.5 percent in 2010 and finished the year at $131.1 billion, according to data released by Kantar Media, the leading provider of strategic advertising and marketing information. Ad spending during the fourth quarter of 2010 was up 7.0 percent versus last year, propelled by the long-tail of small advertisers outside the Top 1000.

The last few months have produced some more cheerful economic news, with strong corporate profits, modest increases in consumer confidence and rising stock market indices. However a new Harris Poll finds no change in the steps that people are taking to save money and reduce their spending. Many people continue to economize, and there is no evidence of consumers’ spending behavior being more relaxed. The recession ended many months ago, but the psychological impact of the financial and housing crisis is still very strong.

By several measures, the state of the American news media improved in 2010. DOWNLOAD REPORT HERE.

In a new study on the growth and profitability of the media and entertainment industry released today by Ernst & Young, cable operators showed the highest profitability among all media and entertainment sectors, and interactive media was the fastest growing sector within the industry. The report also reveals that, despite current perceptions, the media and entertainment industry as a whole is yielding greater profitability and growth than many other stock market indices. All measures of profitability and growth are based on EBITDA margins and dollars respectively.

Univision Communications Inc. announced that Joe Uva, President and Chief Executive Officer, has informed the Board of Directors that he has chosen not to renew his employment agreement in order to be able to seek other opportunities.

With their renewed optimism about the economy and intention to focus on strategic growth over the next 12 months, US private-company CEOs are making talent management a top priority. The majority (51%) of Trendsetter chief executives say that they need to fill certain skill gaps to meet their business objectives over the next one to two years, while 49% believe they have the right skills in place.

Marketing and advertising executives anticipate increased hiring activity in the second quarter of 2011, according to The Creative Group Hiring Index for Marketing and Advertising Professionals. Twelve percent of executives interviewed said they plan to add full-time staff in the next three months, and 3 percent expect reductions in personnel. The resulting net 9 percent increase in hiring activity is up 5 points from the first-quarter forecast.

Hispanic Retail 360 will be a stand-alone magazine polybagged with Convenience Store News, Progressive Grocer and The Gourmet Retailer magazines, reaching more than 20,000 C-suite executives and owners in convenience, grocery and specialty food and kitchenware retailing.

Hoy, the only Spanish-language daily Hispanic newspaper in Chicago with sister publications in Los Angeles, announced the launch of the enhanced version of its site, www.vivelohoy.com.