CBS loses yardage on Super Bowl ad sales

The revelation that CBS has already sold 70 percent of its ad inventory for the 2010 Super Bowl reveals two key points: on the one hand, CBS' (CBS) sales represent fairly brisk demand given the recession and the dismal state of the advertising industry. On the other hand, the bookings have slipped behind the pace set by NBC at this time last year, when the Peacock had sold 80 percent of its ad space for the game.

Even so, pricing for 30-second spots may be on par with last year's spots, which sold for $2.4 million to $3 million. According to Advertising Age, CBS' prices for the top ad spots range from $2.5 million to $3 million. These strong prices aren't surprising: despite the weak ad environment, Super Bowl advertising should outpace the rest of the television industry. After all, it's one of the biggest draws on television today.