The IAB reports that U.S. online advertising hits a new record:
The Interactive Advertising Bureau (IAB) and PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) today announced that Internet advertising revenues for 2006 are estimated at $16.8 billion, a 34 percent increase over the previous revenue record of $12.5 billion in 2005. The 2006 Q4 revenues totaled just under $4.8 billion, making it the highest quarter reported. Fourth-quarter revenues for 2006 represent a 32 percent increase over the same period in 2005, and a 15 percent increase over Q3 of 2006, estimated at slightly under $4.2 billion.
"The continued growth in Interactive advertising is clearly based on marketers’ recognition that they connect with consumers most effectively through Interactive media," said IAB CEO and President, Randall Rothenberg. "The increase underscores marketers’ understanding that Interactive advertising can engage consumers, build brands and sell products and services," he continued.
That’s reassuring, considering my line of work is heavily tied to the health of the interactive space! It’s good to have the wind behind your back. This is largely the message I’ve been giving to a recent surge of college kids seeking me out for career advice. Invest your time, learning, knowledge and network development in an area where the tide is rising, not falling.