Spending by advertisers with the National Newspapers of Ireland was up 15 per cent in the first three months of 2001 compared to the same period last year. More than £58 million (#73.6 million) was spent advertising in the 11 papers that are members of the NNI, according to the organisation.

The bulk of the spending was by advertising agencies who spent £33 million on behalf of clients, an increase of 10 per cent over the first three months of last year. Revenue from classified and small ads grew by 23 per cent to £25 million.