“While the projected 3.4 percent gain for 2005 is behind the 9.8 percent increase that was seen in 2004, we are encouraged to see the advertising industry continue to show growth,” said Steven Fredericks, President and CEO of TNS Media Intelligence. “We are seeing strong growth in Cable TV, Hispanic Media, the Internet and Consumer/Sunday Magazines; however segments such as Spot TV, Business-to-Business Magazines and Radio are trailing behind their 2004 numbers.”

Cable Network TV expenditures are expected to rise 11.6 percent for the year, the highest increase of all media sectors. This increase reflects an ongoing shift of TV budgets as cable networks continue to monetize their audience ratings gains. Hispanic media is also a bright spot on the advertising landscape, with estimated growth of 10.5 percent, compared to 2004.

Internet expenditures are forecast to increase by 7.6 percent after two years of double digit growth in advertising spend. Consumer/Sunday Magazines are expected to advance by 7.5 percent.

TNS MI is forecasting a 0.7 percent increase in total ad spending for the 3^rd Quarter and 4.5 percent increase in the 4^th Quarter. “The slower 3^rd Quarter growth is not surprising, as the 2004 comparison period benefited from the Summer Olympics and a ramp up towards the Presidential election. However, we believe that the rate of growth will improve during the 4^th Quarter as advertisers’ confidence in the economy stabilizes and consumer spending continues to expand,” noted Fredericks.

The media category which is estimated to experience the largest decline in advertising expenditures compared to 2004 is Spot TV. This can be attributed to factors such as competition from local cable, and the absence of national elections.

2005 QUARTERLY GROWTH TRENDS¹

GROWTH ESTIMATES FOR 2005 BY INDIVIDUAL MEDIA¹

Source: TNS Media Intelligence
¹ Figures are based on TNS MI internal analyses
² Hispanic includes TV ,consumer magazines and newspapers
³ Does not include paid search advertising

About TNS Media Intelligence
TNS Media Intelligence in the U.S. is the leading provider of strategic advertising and marketing information – across media, brand, industry and market. The company’s tracking technologies collect occurrence and expenditure data on more than 2.2 million brands spanning 19 media. The U.S. headquarters are located in New York City with sales locations in major markets across the country. For further information, including this and prior press releases, please visit http://www.tns-mi.com.

About TNS
TNS is a market information group. We are the world’s largest custom research company and a leading provider of social and political polling. We are also a major supplier of consumer panel, TV audience measurement and media intelligence services.

TNS operates a global network spanning 70 countries and employs over 13,000 people. We provide market information and measurement, together with insights and analysis, to local and multinational organizations.

We combine our specialist sector knowledge with expertise in the areas of new product development, motivational research, brand and advertising research and stakeholder management to bring our clients up-to-the minute, internationally consistent information.

We think differently to help our clients build competitive advantage, making TNS the sixth sense of business.

www.tns-global.com