Internet advertising revenues in the U.S. hit $5.9 billion for the first quarter, representing a 7.5% increase over the same period in 2009, according to the numbers released by the Interactive Advertising Bureau (IAB) and PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC). This marks the highest first-quarter revenue level ever for the industry.
“The year-over-year growth we are seeing reflects marketers’ confidence in the value and effectiveness of interactive advertising,” said Randall Rothenberg, President and CEO of the IAB. “The Internet, together with explosive technological innovation in devices and platforms, has transformed consumers’ lives, giving them access to entertainment and information however, whenever, and wherever they want it. That’s why the vibrant interactive advertising and marketing industry lends major fuel to the U.S. economy.”
“We are seeing continued signs of an improved economy and interactive advertising market,” said David Silverman, PwC Assurance partner. “The media industry —like the economy as a whole—saw tremendous challenges this past year, and uncertainty about the recovery remains. However, entering 2010 with such strong Q1 revenues is a sign of the health and vitality of online media, and of marketers’ continuing investment in interactive as a cornerstone of their advertising campaigns.”
The following chart highlights quarterly ad revenue since 2001; dollar figures are rounded.
