New York, - Total magazine advertising for the month of December closed at $1,584,664,647, a 3.6% increase over last year, according to Publishers Information Bureau (PIB). Advertising pages for December were 24,962, down 2.0% from last year. Year-to-date, advertising revenue and ad pages continued a steady rise, with a 14.0% increase to $17,665,305,333, and a 10.1% increase to 286,932 pages, respectively. December 2000 vs. 1999 Eight of the 13 major advertising categories showed positive dollar growth, most notably in Apparel & Accessories; Technology; Automotive; Toiletries & Cosmetics; Food & Food Products; and Drugs & Remedies. Losses were noted for Retail; Cigarettes, Tobacco & Accessories; Financial, Insurance & Real Estate; Direct Response Companies; and Home Furnishings & Supplies. "The year 2000 was an extremely successful one for magazine advertising," said Nina B. Link, President and CEO of Magazine Publishers of America. "We expect magazines will continue to maintain their significant share of advertising dollars in 2001." Magazine Publishers of America is the industry association for the consumer magazine business. Established in 1919, the MPA represents more than 240 domestic publishing companies with approximately 1,400 titles, more than 80 international companies and more than 100 associate service providers. Staffed by magazine industry specialists, the MPA is headquartered in New York City, with an office of government affairs based in Washington, D.C.