The TVB said Thursday that its efforts to make electronic transactions the industry norm are picking up steam. The trade group said the ePort system it developed has now facilitated some $100 million worth of orders that advertisers have sent to stations.

Gordon Borrell says that while spot and local ad streams are declining, stations can expect substantial growth in interactive revenue, with smaller markets not being left out.

Of that money, about 75% will go to local TV. The presidential election is "still a TV-driven event," according to Evan Tracey of TNS.

Panelists say while the Internet may be attracting new advertisers, it's not taking them away from television.

Economist says he expects the economy to hit its low at the last quarter of this year and the first quarter of 2009. Things may change if there's a drop in oil prices, and subsequent boost in auto sales.

TVB projects total spot revenue will fall 2%-5% next year, but bounce back 7%-10% in 2010 thanks to Olympics and elections. It also revises its prediction for this year from up 8% to flat at best.

TVB analysis of TNS data shows that Chrysler, Ford and GM cut spending 17.6%, while 10 foreign firms pared 5.8% from their budgets. The drop was even worse at TV stations, where auto spending was off 14%.