The BIA Financial Network Inc. has announced its prediction for the 2008 television industry. In its quarterly Investing in Television Market Report, BIA estimates the revenues for television advertising, direct response television (DRTV) campaigns, and infomercials will post an 11 percent growth this year.

Political candidates attribute to the jump in revenue, with an unusually high use of television advertising. If the prediction turns out to be true, this would translate to a 10-year revenue high for the industry.

Furthermore, political campaign spending has the potential to boost television revenues up to 12 percent in critical election states including Pennsylvania, Ohio, Florida, Virginia, South Carolina, Iowa, Maine, Colorado, Wisconsin, Nevada, and California.

Despite the constant buzz of new media alternatives television will prove itself to be a hot medium in 2008,” explained Mark R. Fratrik, Ph.D., BIAfn’s Vice President. “Not only because it’s fail-safe but because it delivers viewers in a very targeted, local way. The national and statewide elections will reinforce the strength of the local television market, which is the only media that can provide mass audiences in an increasingly fragmented marketplace.”