Global ad spend increases, but Britain is flagging

Asia Pacific was the real driver, with an increase of 7.6% compared to the same period last year. In Europe, ad spend dropped 3%, following a flat Q1.

During the first six months of 2008, the UK suffered a 2.6% year-on-year decline - making it one of the worst-performing major world economies. The US, Germany and Australia all had increased ad spend during that period.

The decline in the UK was, according to Nielsen, largely due to falls in radio and outdoor. Radio ad spend during the first six months of 2008 was down 6.2% year on year, while outdoor was down 6% in the same period.

Cinema was the only medium to post a year-on-year increase during the first half, up 9.8%.

This article was first published on Media Week