Google has topped ZenithOptimedia’s Top Thirty Global Media Owners report, with media revenues of $37.9bn: 39 per cent higher than nearest competitor DirecTV Group ($27.2bn).

First published in 2007, the 2013 report saw Time Warner fall from first place in 2007 to sixth, with a fall from $30bn to $15.6bn; while Google has risen from being ranked at 13.

ZenithOptimedia head of forecasting Jonathan Barnard told M&M: “Google’s position as the number one global media owner is testament not only to its strength in search, but also to its expansion in other key digital platforms.

“ZenithOptimedia’s top 30 ranking now includes four digital media owners, and we expect there to be at least one more next year.”

It was found that Google alone accounted for 49 per cent of the world’s internet ad spend, Yahoo for six per cent and Microsoft and Facebook both stand on four per cent. It was the first time that Facebook and Microsoft have made the list, which was last published in 2010.

News Corp, Walt Disney, Comcast, CBS Corporation and BskyB also made the list.