NEW YORK  Despite the bad economy, Internet advertising revenue rose in the third quarter, according to figures released Thursday. The report from the Interactive Advertising Bureau and PricewaterhouseCoopers said online advertising revenue totaled almost $5.9 billion in the third quarter, up 11% from the period last year and a 2% rise from the second quarter. Companies that depend on Internet advertising, including Google, have seen their shares plummet recently on fears the economy will inhibit growth in what remains a relatively small market. David Silverman, a partner at PricewaterhouseCoopers, said the third-quarter growth is "nice to see." "I think given the economic environment, seeing any increase in any economic activity — let alone advertising — would be a bit of surprise, but speaks maybe to the strength of interactive advertising," he said. Silverman believes advertisers will keep spending on online ads, especially in an economic downturn, because they are often paying for ads based on performance — such as when a consumer clicks on an ad to visit an e-commerce site. "They actually see they're getting a result for their dollars spent," he said. For the first nine months of the year, online advertising revenue totaled $17.3 billion. This compares with $15.2 billion in the period last year. Copyright 2008 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Guidelines: You share in the USA TODAY community, so please keep your comments smart and civil. Don't attack other readers personally, and keep your language decent. Use the "Report Abuse" button to make a difference. You share in the USA TODAY community, so please keep your comments smart and civil. Don't attack other readers personally, and keep your language decent. Use the "Report Abuse" button to make a difference. Read more