by Tatiana Repkova

The Czech Republic is as good an example as any to show why western media companies have flocked to and are still very interested in investing in Eastern Europe. The advertising economy there continues to boom. Czech advertising agency ARBOmedia forecasts that the 2007 advertising spend will come close to $1 billion (€700 million), representing a growth rate of 5.7%, double the growth rate of 2006. The Internet spend is predicted to grow the most in percentage terms, 35%, to €26 million, but it represents only 4% of the total spend. TV still rules the roost and is expected to garner 48% of the market with a €333 million spend. http://www.followthemedia.com/tickle/ticklefile08012007.htm#20; January 12, 2007