Traditional companies account for more than half of the top 100 Internet advertisers for the first time in March. Consumer good firms are increasing the number of ads they place on niche Web sites in a bid to target consumers more effectively, Jupiter Media Metrix said in a report on Wednesday that offered a ray of hope to Internet companies reeling after the dot-com ad binge ended. But it's forced to agree to clean up its unauthorized graffiti. If President Bush truly wants to invigorate efforts to strengthen kids' character, he can't duck this issue just because it's ideologically inconvenient. Supreme Court debates Massachusetts' expanded ban for areas near schools and playgrounds.
Firms cite free-speech right and a federal statute.
Media outlets and studios are making contingency plans if the guilds prevent writers and actors from promoting films and TV shows already in the can. Movie and video game industries fare better. Teens sent into markets and gas stations by an anti-smoking group say posters and displays are often near candy aisles and at eye level to youngsters. Officials are bracing for a scolding in a federal report today on the marketing of songs with violent lyrics. The industry is looking to new markets and striving to improve quality and productivity.