TV advertising keeps on growing

By KARYN SCHERER

The television industry has notched up another strong quarter of growth in advertising.

Figures due to be released today are expected to show double-digit growth in sales for the March quarter, compared with the same time last year.

According to the Television Broadcasters Council, which represents TV One, TV2, TV3, TV4 and Prime, revenue was up across the main free-to-air networks by 10.9 per cent in the March quarter.

The increase comes on top of a strong December quarter, which saw sales increase by 5.5 per cent compared with the previous year.

The September quarter showed growth of 4.6 per cent over 1998.

The council's executive director, Bruce Wallace, said broadcasters had noticed strong demand across a wide range of categories, including banking, mobile phones, airlines and entertainment.

The growth is attributed to continuing confidence in the economy.