According to Nielsen, advertisers spent $78 billion on TV commercials in 2013, compared to $64 billion in 2009. However, the cost of a typical 30-second spot in prime time has declined. In 2013, the average cost for a commercial was $7,800. In 2009, the figure was $8,900. The rise in commercials likely will concern some marketers who fear their spots are being lost in all the ad clutter.