Russia’s total ad spend in the first quarter amounted to R115-116 billion (€1.46-1.47 billion), or 4% more than in the same period last year.
According to data published by the country’s Association of Communication Agencies (AKAR), TV accounted for R42.5-43 billion, up 3% on Q1 2019.
While spend on the main channels grew by 2% to R40.6 – 41.1 billion, that for thematic services increased by 20% to R1.9 billion.
Internet accounted for the highest spend among media, its R55-56 billion total in Q1 being 10% higher than a year earlier.
While OOH spend was unchanged on R10.8-11 billion, press (R2.6-2.8 billion) and radio (R2.7-2.9 billion) fell by 22% and 17% respectively.
The publishing industry has questioned the ad spend figure for press and believes it to be higher.