Despite a slackening economy, rising fuel prices and a decline in consumer confidence, the number of transactions in media markets rose slightly in the first half of the year compared with the same period in 2007, according to a report released Tuesday by media investment bank Jordan, Edmiston Group. The number of media deals increased to 404 versus 397 in the year-earlier period. Deal value, however, was down dramatically to $23.2 billion from $65.8 billion. Among the 11 media sectors tracked by Jordan, Edmiston Online Media & Technology was the only sector to see an increase in both the number of deals and deal value, up 22% and 40%, respectively.