In the first ten months of 2004, presidential election spending across select TNS Media Intelligence/CMR measured media reached $601 million, 42 percent of the total dollars spent on political advertising messages. Federal, State and Local election messages, along with ballot issue advertising activity totaled $847 million.

"The charged political environment this year was a strong driver of spending for the advertising industry. Candidates seeking election, special interest groups looking to support or defeat various candidates and ballot initiatives resulted in an infusion of spending in national and local media as interested parties tried to communicate their messages to the voting public. In this pivotal election year, key decision makers from local campaigns to Fortune 100 companies came to TNSMI/CMR for reliable political ad data, as they did in past election cycles," said Steven Fredericks, president and CEO of TNS Media Intelligence/CMR.

Political Ad Spending: January to October 2004¹

"Political advertising in Election 2004 has been a watershed event and will change how future election campaigns are implemented. Advertising for both the presidential and other down ballot races was historic in size. The number and diversity of advertisers and messages will now create a roadmap of new standards by which future campaign advertising battles will be waged," noted Evan Tracey, chief operating officer of TNS Media Intelligence/CMAG, a TNSMI/CMR company that is dedicated to tracking and analyzing political ad spending.

"For example, targeting undecided voters in swing states made local and cable advertising an especially important part of both campaigns' strategies and resulted in record spending in these media. Some of these voters have seen ads since last year, whereas historically ad wars were waged between June and Election Day" continued Mr. Tracey.

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.