US advertising spending rose more than 4% in the first half of 2006, boosted by events such as the Winter Olympics and World Cup, according to TNS Media Intelligence. Spending for the first half rose to $73 bln, with a 5.3% gain in Q1 2006. Internet display advertising went up about 19% to $4.7 bln for the half-year. Expenditures on network TV were up 5.7%, and outdoor increased just over 8%.