Ad sales down for TV sports

November 18, 2008 Once thought to be the sole recession-proof property on television, big-ticket sports are showing signs of vulnerability in the fourth quarter, with ad sales down as much as 15%, according to a number of media buyers and network executives. Brisk sales in the upfront and long-term sponsorship packages have gone a long way to cushion the blow, but the scatter market is all but paralytic as many key categories have practically shut down. Hyundai has been particularly active, buying time in nearly all available sports, including TNT's Thursday night NBA showcase and across ESPN's college- and pro-football properties.

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