Throughout 2009 ad spending fell at a pretty alarming rate. Having finally said farewell to 2009, ZenithOptimedia and GroupM just announced that the national revenue loss fell between 7-to-10%.

According to AdWeek, Internet will be the only medium to grow global ad spending and will do so by 9.5%. "In a time when marketing departments have to justify every dollar they spend, the rapid and clear returns offered by Internet advertising are more attractive than the longer-term brand-building benefits offered by other media."

If you are a newspaper or magazine publisher you might just be wincing (in both surprise and jealousy) at the sound of these numbers – considering that overall, the newspaper/magazine industries suffered a staggering and well-publicized 18 to 20% drop.

However, if you are a small business owner or in charge of your local marketing strategy, now is the time to perk up and revamp your plan for 2010.

Here are 2009 results and agency estimates for 2010:

• Television – Down 8% in 2009 - Up 4.6% in 2010
• Internet – Up 9.5% in 2009  -  Up 12% to 13% in 2010
• Magazines – Down 20% in 2009  -  up 1% in 2010
• Newspapers – Down 18% in 2009  -  up 1% in 2010

The Silver Lining: Ad prices have dropped substantially in many markets! You might be surprised to see how significantly prices have changed over the past year - it is time to hunker down and review (or develop) your 2010 advertising media plan.