The Nielsen Company had bad news for advertisers, but a silver lining for those who work in the interactive space. Nielsen reported that overall ad spending dropped half a percentage point during the first half of 2007, while internet ad spending ticked up more than 23 percent.

According to a Marketplace report, the dip in ad spending may be due to an overall economic slump brought on by the subprime lending debacle and subsequent credit crisis. Although the Marketplace story suggested that online could soon feel an economic pinch, Nielsen's numbers point to the strength of technology-driven advertising.

Outdoor ad spending, which is a key segment in traditional advertising, posted a 5.1 percent gain while other sectors were down.

Brian Lane, senior vice president of client strategy and product development for Nielsen Monitor-Plus, cited the ability of outdoor advertisers to incorporate technology as a critical reason for the gains.

"Even in this soft market outdoor ad spending continues to show strength; this traditional medium has embraced technology and is offering more and more digital and interactive advertising opportunities," Lane said.