Internet & Spanish TV Show Largest Areas of Growth In 2005 Ad Spending .

Advertising spending is expected to increase 5.1 percent in 2005 to $150.5 billion, according to full-year forecasts released by TNS Media Intelligence. This increase follows the estimated growth of 10.6 percent in 2004, as the U.S. economy continues to show signs of stability.

“We anticipate advertising expenditures will continue on a strong upward track, despite major events, such as the Olympics and the Presidential election, being absent this year. This positive growth is a strong indicator regarding the overall state of the ad industry,” says Steven J. Fredericks, president and chief executive officer, TNS Media Intelligence. “Additionally, as the economic recovery continues, all leading categories of media will see improvement in advertising spending, with the Internet, Spanish language television and Cable Network TV showing the strongest year over year gains.”

TNS Media Intelligence is predicting quarter-by-quarter growth, with the second half of the year expected to be slower due to the absence of major events, including the Olympics and the elections.

The forecast highlights the fact that advertisers are continuing to expand their investment in the Internet, which TNS Media Intelligence predicts will grow 11.2 percent. Spanish Language TV and Cable Network TV will also see increases, at 9.4 percent and 9.3 percent respectively, in a year in which all leading media will experience growth.