Internet advertising revenues in the US reached $5.9bn for the first quarter of 2010, an increase of 7.5% compared to same period last year, marking its highest first quarter revenue level ever for the industry, according to the numbers released the Interactive Advertising Bureau (IAB) and PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC).

Randall Rothenberg, President and CEO of IAB, said: “The internet, together with explosive technological innovation in devices and platforms, has transformed consumers lives, giving them access to entertainment and information however, whenever, and wherever they want it. That’s why the vibrant interactive advertising and marketing industry lends major fuel to the US economy.”

David Silverman, assurance partner at PwC, said: “We are seeing continued signs of an improved economy and interactive advertising market. The media industry like the economy as a whole saw tremendous challenges this past year, and uncertainty about the recovery remains.

“However, entering 2010 with such strong Q1 revenues is a sign of the health and vitality of online media, and of marketers continuing investment in interactive as a cornerstone of their advertising campaigns.”