Global online ad spending to rise 12 pct in 2010

NEW YORK

Global spending on online advertising is expected to rise by 12 percent this year, continuing a steady upward trend, according to a report issued Wednesday by advertising and marketing research firm EMarketer.

The firm believes the Internet is starting to rival television as the place to find audiences, and spending will hit to $61.8 billion in 2010.

Online ad spending took an 11.9 percent market share last year, which should rise to 17.2 percent in 2014, according to eMarketer.

EMarketer expects online ad spending to rise to $96.8 billion in 2014, with an 11.9 percent compounded annual rate of increase.

That compares with the 3.8 percent increase expected this year in total ad spending for all media worldwide, to $482.6 billion. EMarketer doesn't think total ad spending will return to 2008 levels until 2012.

The firm is forecasting total ad spending of $564 billion in 2014.