U.S. media revenue for the 100 Leading Media Companies rose 4.0% in 2011, fueled by surging growth in digital. That represents a record $340 billion in net U.S. media revenue. However, last year's percentage gain marked the lowest growth rate in a nonrecession year since Ad Age began this ranking in 1981. Digital revenue -- mostly at digital pure plays such as Google and Facebook -- jumped 19.7%. Remove digital from the equation, and Media 100 revenue rose only 2.8% in 2011.
The digital divide continues in 2012. U.S. revenue for the 100 largest media firms increased 4.3% in the first half of 2012, according to Ad Age DataCenter estimates. Digital pure plays climbed nearly 20%, driving year-to-date growth. Take them out of the mix, and Media 100 revenue edged up just 2.1% in the first half.