Figures from Indochina Research show adspend grew 19 per cent in print and on TV (discounts not included) in June compared with the same month in 2007. However, from January to June 2008, spend has slipped by 16 per cent, or US$5.8 million.
Laurent Notin, research director at Indochina Research, observed: "The Cambodian elections are not only slowing things down in the media. The real estate market has been pretty stable of late as everybody is waiting until after the elections to speculate again."
He added: "Some of our clients working closely with government authorities report not being able to sign-off any projects requiring approval from government stakeholders, who are too busy campaigning for the elections."
The adspend dip could steepen after the elections on July 27th, but the mood is generally positive.
"However, because it is anticipated that the CPP will form a single-party majority government, concerns persist about transparency, strategies for development directions and a possible government restructure (to fill in the positions left by the coalition party)," added Notin. "The big change compared to previous elections is the fact that marketers are ready to spend again and maybe spend more, once the elements of uncertainty are tackled."
Adspend falls as elections approach in Cambodia
PHNOM PENH - Advertising spend in Cambodia has fallen considerably since the beginning of the year, as marketers take a cautious approach in the run-up to the parliamentary elections next week.
