U.S. newspaper advertising fell by more than half in six years 2005-2011

Newspaper advertising revenues in the U.S. have declined 51.6% in six years -- from $49.4 billion in 2005 to $23.9 billion in 2011. This is according to a story in MediaDailyNews, based on data released recently by the Newspaper Association of America. The year 2005 was when internet and online advertising began to take a serious bite out of the business.

"The collapse has hit every major category of newspaper ads, beginning with the categories most vulnerable to online competition -- the classifieds -- but then quickly extending to the other traditional mainstays of the newspaper business, national and retail advertising," the story said.

Total classified revenues fell 71%, automotive 79%, national ad revenues 53% and retail revenues 46.4% over the six years. While newspapers' online revenues grew 167% or  over the same period, it is estimated that overall online ad revenues were twice that, growing 338%.