U.S. consumers spent $987 million for online content during the first half of this year - 16 percent more than in 1H04, according to a report issued this week by the Online Publishers Association, reports MediaPost. Still, as of this June, only 11 percent of online consumers paid for any online content. Spending on entertainment and lifestyle content increased 45 percent, to $265 million, from the $183 million in the first six months of 2004.

"That trend is going to continue as broadband grows," according to OPA president Michael Zimbalist.

More than 40 percent of entertainment/lifestyle spending - $115 million - was from single-purchase sales, such as digital music.

Spending for research surged 39 percent to $73 million; games spending grew 23 percent to $54 million; personal growth, 19 percent to $58 million; and personals and online dating, 8 percent to $245 million.

However, general news sites, such as NYTimes.com and CNN.com, experienced a 14 percent decline in consumer spending - from $46 million in 1H04 to $39 million in 1H05.