New York, NY (November 12, 2002)—Total magazine advertising revenue for the month of October increased 7.5% compared to October of last year, closing at $1,675,534,615, according to Publishers Information Bureau (PIB). Ad pages for October totaled 22,386.9, down -0.2 % from last year. Year-to-date, advertising revenue closed at $13,377,965,667, an increase of 2.2%, and ad pages were 182,072.79, down -5.9% from last year. October 2002 vs. 2001 Eleven of the top twelve major advertising categories experienced an increase in advertising revenue over October 2001. Double digit gains were seen in Drugs & Remedies, Home Furnishings & Supplies, Media & Advertising, Toiletries & Cosmetics and Public Transportation, Hotels & Resorts. (Twelve categories are the most significant contributors to PIB revenue, comprising more than 85% of total advertising spending.) January - October 2002 vs. 2001 Seven out of twelve major advertising categories sustained dollar gains for the year-to-date comparison. These categories include Drugs & Remedies, Food & Food Products, and Household Furnishings & Supplies. Significant losses were noted for Technology, Public Transportation, Hotels & Resorts and Apparel & Accessories. "We are encouraged to see ongoing improvement in year-to-date numbers," remarked Ellen Oppenheim, Executive Vice President/Chief Marketing Officer, MPA. "The strong performance in revenue by eleven of twelve major ad categories signals continued cautious optimism." Enhanced and expanded PIB information is now available on www.magazine.org/PIB. 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.