Information Industry Classification Codes (SIC & NAICS)
Information Industry Codes
Updated: 2025
The Information sector includes establishments engaged in producing, distributing, and managing information and cultural content, as well as companies enabling communication and data processing. This sector covers publishers, newspapers, broadcasting networks, cable systems, telecommunications providers, data hosting services, information technology, software publishers, web platforms, and digital media companies. Information classifications support market analysis, technology benchmarking, regulatory oversight, intellectual property management, and digital transformation strategies. Accurate SIC and NAICS codes enable consistent rollups for content production, connectivity infrastructure, and information-driven service providers.
SIC Coverage: 27 (Printing & Publishing), 48 (Communications), and selected
information-related business services in 73 (partial) — including 7312, 7371, 7372, 7373, 7374,
7375, 7376, 7377, 7378, 7379, and 7383.
NAICS Range: 51
SICCODE.com assigns industries to this sector based on functional alignment with information creation, processing, distribution, communications infrastructure, data services, and media systems. SIC codes are included when their primary activities correspond to information production, information technology, or communication functions historically reflected in this sector.
SIC vs. NAICS Structure for the Information Sector
| SIC Structure | NAICS Structure |
| No unified "Information" division — activities spread across Divisions 27, 48, and partial 73. | Consolidated under Sector 51 with comprehensive subsector coverage. |
| Communications (SIC 48) includes telephone, cable, satellite, radio, and TV broadcasting. | NAICS 516 covers broadcasting and content providers; NAICS 517 covers telecommunications. |
| Software, data processing, and information retrieval appear in selected 73xx codes. | NAICS 518 and 519 include data hosting, cloud services, web platforms, archives, and search portals. |
Major SIC Subsectors (Linked to Official 2-Digit Pages)
- SIC 27 — Printing, Publishing, and Allied Industries
- SIC 48 — Communications
- SIC 73 — Business Services (information-related codes only)
Representative SIC Codes Within the Information Sector (Linked)
- SIC 7312 — Outdoor Advertising Services
- SIC 7371 — Computer Programming Services
- SIC 7372 — Prepackaged Software
- SIC 7373 — Computer Integrated Systems Design
- SIC 7374 — Computer Processing & Data Preparation Services
- SIC 7375 — Information Retrieval Services
- SIC 7376 — Computer Facilities Management Services
- SIC 7377 — Computer Rental & Leasing
- SIC 7378 — Computer Maintenance & Repair
- SIC 7379 — Computer Related Services, NEC
- SIC 7383 — News Syndicates
NAICS Structure Within the Information Sector (Linked)
- NAICS 51 — Information (Sector Overview)
- NAICS 512 — Motion Picture & Sound Recording Industries
- NAICS 513 — Publishing Industries
- NAICS 516 — Broadcasting & Content Providers
- NAICS 517 — Telecommunications
- NAICS 518 — Computing Infrastructure Providers, Data Processing & Web Hosting
- NAICS 519 — Web Search Portals, Libraries, Archives & Other Information Services
Under SIC, information-related activity is distributed across several divisions rather than a unified Information division. Communications (SIC 48) includes telephone companies, radio and TV broadcasters, cable networks, and satellite services, while printing and publishing fall under SIC 27. Additional information-intensive services — such as software development, data processing, information retrieval, and news syndication — appear in selected 73xx codes. NAICS consolidates these activities into Sector 51, covering publishing, broadcasting, telecommunications, motion picture production, data hosting, web platforms, cloud services, and other information services. Together, these classification structures support analysis of media markets, bandwidth demand, digital infrastructure growth, and the evolving landscape of content and data distribution.
Insights & Research for the Information Sector
SIC & NAICS classifications help segment wireless, wired, satellite, and broadband providers for analysis of network reach, infrastructure growth, and service availability.
Classification data highlights publishers, broadcasters, streaming platforms, and digital content providers shaping modern media consumption.
Information sector codes include firms delivering data hosting, cloud infrastructure, managed IT services, and computing platforms essential to digital operations.
Media companies and agencies use classifications to benchmark audiences, distribution channels, content categories, and advertising models across platforms.
How These Classifications Are Used
Information SIC and NAICS codes are used by telecommunications firms, media companies, cloud providers, regulators, advertisers, data platforms, researchers, and technology organizations to categorize information-intensive activities. They underpin audience measurement, bandwidth planning, spectrum licensing, content distribution analysis, regulatory submissions, franchise agreements, and digital service benchmarking. Accurate classification ensures that directories, regulatory reports, and market analyses reflect the true nature of information and communication services.
Get Help With Information Sector Classification
If you need help selecting the correct SIC or NAICS code for a media, telecommunications, software, data, or digital services organization, our classification team can review activities, map service lines, and ensure accurate industry alignment.
Related Classification Clusters
- NAICS 54 — Professional, Scientific & Technical Services (IT services, consulting, technical design)
- NAICS 56 — Administrative & Support Services (call centers, back-office support, information-enabled operations)
Reviewed and verified by the SICCODE.com Expert Review Team.