"The first half results are a continuation of the strong growth we've seen occurring in the industry since the latter half of 2002," said Steven Fredericks, president and CEO of TNS Media Intelligence/CMR. "Overall ad spending is on track to realize a 9-10 percent increase for the year, especially as the Olympics and the Presidential election help drive third quarter results."

Ad Spending by Media
Almost all of the media measured by TNSMI/CMR experienced growth throughout the first half of 2004, with the Internet, Cable TV, National Syndication, National Newspapers, and Local Magazines showing double digit year-over-year gains. In the first and second quarters of 2004, spending increased 9.8 percent and 8.4 percent respectively.

In response to increased advertiser interest, the Internet exhibited the most vigorous year-over-year growth, up 25.9 percent to $3.6 billion in ad spending. Cable TV totaled the second highest year-over-year growth with an 18.2 percent increase to $6.8 billion. The robust spending for Cable TV is a strong indication of increased demand for targeted advertising opportunities.

Other media showing strong year-over-year growth include National Syndication, up 17.5 percent to $1.9 billion, National Newspapers up 10.8 percent to $1.6 billion, and Local Magazines up 10.2 percent to $170 million.

Local Newspapers led in dollar spending for the first half of 2004, posting $11.9 billion, an increase of 7.5 percent versus first half 2003. Spending in the automotive (domestic and non-domestic), local home furnishings and appliances, and telecommunications services ad categories helped fueled this growth.

Ad Spending by Media: First Half 2004 vs. First Half 2003 ¹

Ad Spending by Advertiser
The top 10 advertisers for first half 2004 spent $8.2 billion, a 5.7 percent increase from the same time period in 2003. Almost all of the top 10 experienced some level of growth with Verizon Communications, Walt Disney Co, and Pfizer Inc. exhibiting double digit year-over-year growth.

Verizon exhibited significant year-over-year percent growth, increasing 23.1 percent to $703 million. While Verizon placed messages in all the major media outlets, the company spent a good portion of its budget with Local Newspapers and the Internet.

Procter & Gamble was the leading advertiser in spending with a total of $1.3 billion, a 4 percent increase over first half 2003. Other strong spenders include General Motors, whose advertising activity totaled $1.3 billion and Time Warner with a total of $897 million.

TopTen Ad Spenders: First Half 2004 vs. First Half 2003 ¹⁰

Political Ad Spending
According to TNSMI/Campaign Media Analysis Group, a TNS Media Intelligence/CMR company, an estimated $398 million was spent on political and issue advocacy television advertising in the first half of 2004 - with $210 million spent in the second quarter. "Political messages are pouring dollars into the market. To date, we've captured more than 482,000 political and issue advocacy TV advertisements," noted Steven Fredericks. "The totals we are seeing in the first half of this year from political and issue advertising are strong indicators that for the 2004 election year, ad spending will total $1.5 billion dollars."

Presidential: From January to June, 2004, an estimated $244.4 million was spent on the Presidential race. Besides the two major candidates, 20 different issue groups such as MoveOn and The Media Fund have run television ads in support of the campaigns.

For the 2nd Quarter of 2004, an estimated $128.7 million was spent on television messages within the 20 battleground states and the National market. The Kerry/Edwards campaign, combined with supportive issue groups, carried the highest percentage of messages in the top 5 states, reaching more than 70% in both Ohio and Missouri.

Top 5 Battleground States by Spending: 2nd Quarter 2004 ¹¹

Federal and State Political and Issue Advocacy Spending: For the first half of 2004, an estimated $153.6 million was spent on television advertising by candidates, special interest group allies and issue advocacy groups.

About TNS Media Intelligence/CMR
TNS Media Intelligence/CMR 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 two million brands spanning 20 media. TNS Media Intelligence/CMR is headquartered in New York City and maintains sales locations in major markets throughout the United States.

Within the TNS organization, TNS Media Intelligence/CMR is a key member of the Media Intelligence sector - dedicated to providing worldwide tracking, analysis, evaluation and consultative services for the media and marketing communities. TNS Media Intelligence is the market leader in the U.S. and France, with significant operations in Europe and Asia. For further information, including this and prior press releases, please visit http://www.tnsmi-cmr.com.

About TNS Media Intelligence/CMAG
TNSMI/Campaign Media Analysis Group is the leading provider of advertising tracking and analysis of political, public affairs and issue advocacy advertising. A TNS Media Intelligence/CMR company, TNSMI/CMAG provides customized media analysis services to national trade associations, foundations, Fortune 100 companies, national media organizations, academia and hundreds of national, statewide and local political campaigns. For further information, please visit http://www.tnsmi-cmag.com.

About TNS
TNS is one of the world's leading providers of market information. The company delivers strategic market measurement, analysis, insight and advice to many of the world's largest organizations and most recognized brands. TNS's research helps its clients better understand the needs and wants of their customers, and its capabilities span market segmentation, advertising and communications, new product development, brand performance and stakeholder management. The company is also one of the leading providers of social and political polling. From its global network that spans 70 countries who together conduct research in more than 110 countries, TNS allows for local expertise and knowledge to be combined together with internationally consistent information and analysis.

TNS is listed on the London Stock Exchange (TNN) and is a trade mark of Taylor Nelson Sofres plc. Further information can be found on http://www.tns-global.com.