2010 landmark year as online ad spending overtakes print

2010 could be a landmark year in the history of print and the Internet if Outsell's forecasts for advertising and marketing spending pan out.

The research firm has released figures that show companies intend to spend $119.6 billion on their online and digital efforts this year compared with just $111.5 billion on newspaper and magazine campaigns.

In 2009, print spending accounted for 32% of total marketing and advertising spending compared with 30% for online and digital. This year, print will make up 30% and online 33%.

"Advertisers are directing dollars toward the channels which generate the most qualified leads and most effective branding," said Outsell vice president and lead analyst Chuck Richard.

"As they emerge from the recession, they need more accountability, and they're spreading their spending over a widening set of options."

Of course, it was always going to happen and, even if Outsell's figures aren't realized this year, it's only a matter of time.

Tags: digital marketing, marketing spend, online, print