These predictions suggest the upfront could be weaker than last year, when the ad-sales market was tepid, and volume was flat at most of the major broadcast networks.

WSJ: Signals Weak for TV-Ad Market

At Rebok International a eyes rolled in the marketing suite when ad shop Mcgarrybowen called repeatedly last year.

FORBES: The Men in The Gray Flannel Suits

At Reebok International a few eyes rolled in the marketing suite when ad shop Mcgarrybowen called repeatedly last year.

FORBES: The Men in The Gray Flannel Suits

Given the record audiences for each of the last three championships, CBS is likely to charge even more per ad spot when it hosts the Super Bowl next year.

FORBES: Super Bowl Is No Longer A Bargain For Advertisers

According to Gawker, the exchange began when Lee responded to an online ad posted by a 34 year old single woman.

FORBES: Connect

"Clearly when you back out the barter transactions, as well as the three-year dot-com ad contracts that are now expiring, advertising wasn't a viable business model, " says Henry Asher, president of Northstar Group, a New York-based investment manager that holds the parent company's shares.

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The big story this quarter is mobile ads, which the company said accounted for 23% of its ad revenue, a huge leap from the third quarter of last year when it was just 14%.

CNN: Facebook mobile users surpass desktop users for first time

This year, when Razorfish wanted to crack the Japanese market, it formed a joint venture with Intervision, a Tokyo ad agency that does most of its business for Sony.

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