TNS MEDIA INTELLIGENCE reports that advertising spending in the U.S. fell 0.3% in the first quarter. Network TV spending was down 7.2% (to $6.1 billion). National newspaper advertising fell 5.3% (to $810 million). Internet display advertising jumped 16.7% (to $2.7 billion).

EBAY will begin auctioning radio ads today via its Media Marketplace. Advertisers will create auctions for their ads, and radio stations with unsold inventory will submit offers.

RON BURKLE has told the DOW JONES union that he is interested in a joint offer for the media group. The union is opposing a sale to NEWS CORP., and has reached out to Burkle, Warren Buffet, and others to find an alternative buyer.

TIME WARNER president Jeff Bewkes has named Bill Nelson chairman and CEO of HBO. Nelson had served as COO of HBO since 2002.