U.S. Ad Spending to Rise 2.1% in 2002

U.S. advertising spending will rise 2.1% to $236.2 billion this year, less than forecast, as the economy recovers more slowly than expected, according to an industry study.

Ad spending by computer, airline and financial companies remains sluggish, Robert Coen, director of forecasting for Interpublic Group’s Universal McCann unit, said in a report. A forecast in December projected an increase of 2.4%.