TV Forecast Raised Again

TV stations are enjoying a healthy recovery, so healthy that BIA/Kelsey is raising its forecast for the fourth time, adding more than 4 percentage points to its May predictions.

The revised forecast predicts TV stations will pull in $18.1 billion in revenue this year, a 10.9 percent gain.

BIA/Kelsey revised up its digital forecast by 5 percentage points. Growing faster than on-air, online revenue for TV stations is expected to hit $648 million this year, up 25 percent.

BIA based its new forecast on "encouraging indications" that advertisers are returning to local TV, combined with a stronger than expected primary election year.

"Television is still the best method to reach a large local audience, whether the message is for a product, cause or campaign," said Mark Fratrik, vp of BIA. "This positive sign should help the industry invest in its infrastructure and position it for growth this decade."

By 2014, revenue from online will reach $1.2 billion and on-air $19 billion for a total of $20.2 billion, still below the $22.8 billion TV stations tallied in 2006.