The economic downturn has prompted Northwest Airlines to slash over $200 million from its expenditure, including cuts in ad and marketing budgets.

Announcing his company’s need for frugality, ceo Richard Anderson said that it was up to individual departments how they found the savings, with decisions due by May 1.

It is as yet unclear how the cuts will affect Northwest in the impending broadcast buying period.

News source: Advertising Age - Daily Deadline