IAB/PwC Release First Quarter 2006 Internet Ad Revenue Figures; Internet Advertising Revenues Close to $4 Billion for Q1 2006; Continues Trend of Record Setting Quarters

Business Wire, May 30, 2006

NEW YORK -- The Interactive Advertising Bureau (IAB) and PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) today announced that Internet advertising revenues reached a new record of $3.9 billion for the first quarter of 2006. The 2006 first quarter revenues represent a 38 percent increase over Q1 2005 at $2.8 billion and a 6 percent increase over Q4 2005 total at $3.6 billion. E[acute accent]"The steady growth of online advertising is a clear indication that marketers continue to believe in the opportunities and effectiveness that this medium delivers in reaching and engaging their consumers," said Greg Stuart, CEO, Interactive Advertising Bureau. "The Interactive Advertising industry remains committed to the creation of a world class medium with best-of-breed standards, measurement guidelines, research and ad products for marketers and agencies." E[acute accent]"The Internet continues to shape the media landscape as more advertising dollars are going online," said Peter Petrusky, Director, Advisory Services, PricewaterhouseCoopers. "It is abundantly clear that marketers are seeing a compelling opportunity to leverage the Internet as a powerful medium that drives both branding and sales results." E[acute accent]"Consumer habits are continuing to change and mature," adds David Silverman, partner, Assurance, PricewaterhouseCoopers. "Companies are effectively learning to devote more of their advertising budget to this fast-growing advertising platform in order to reach the right audience at the right time." E[acute accent]Conducted by the New Media Group of PricewaterhouseCoopers, the "Advertising Revenue Report" was started by the IAB in 1996, and represents data from all companies that report meaningful online advertising revenues. The results are considered the most accurate measurement of interactive advertising revenues because the data is compiled directly from information supplied by companies selling advertising on the Internet. The survey includes data concerning online advertising revenues from Web sites, commercial online services, free e-mail providers, and all other companies selling online advertising. First and third quarter revenue reports are estimates, with the actual figures being released along with second and fourth quarter data respectively. PwC does not audit the information and provides no opinion or other form of assurance with respect to the information. E[acute accent]The IAB sponsors the Internet Advertising Revenue Report, which is conducted independently by the New Media Group of PricewaterhouseCoopers. The full report is issued twice yearly for full and half-year data, and top-line quarterly estimates are issued for the first and third quarters.

E[acute accent]About PricewaterhouseCoopers:

E[acute accent]PricewaterhouseCoopers (www.pwc.com) provides industry-focused assurance, tax and advisory services to build public trust and enhance value for its clients and their stakeholders. More than 130,000 people in 148 countries work collaboratively using connected thinking to develop fresh perspectives and practical advice. E[acute accent]"PricewaterhouseCoopers" refers to the network of member firms of PricewaterhouseCoopers International Limited, each of which is a separate and independent legal entity.

E[acute accent]About the IAB:

E[acute accent]Founded in 1996, the Interactive Advertising Bureau (www.iab.net) represents over 250 leading interactive companies that actively engage in, and support the sale of interactive advertising. IAB members are responsible for selling over 86% of online advertising in the United States. On behalf of its members, the IAB evaluates and recommends standards and practices; fields interactive effectiveness research, and educates the advertising industry about interactive advertising.