New York, NY (March 10, 2006) -- Total magazine rate-card-reported advertising revenue for the month of February increased 4.7% compared to the same month last year, closing at $1,605,666,887, according to Publishers Information Bureau (PIB). Ad pages totaled 16,199.52, up 2.2% from February 2005. Year-to-date, PIB revenue closed at $2,829,644,909, an increase of 3% over the same period in 2004, with ad pages totaling 29,555.82, a 0.3% gain. February 2006 vs. 2005 Eight of 12 major advertising categories posted page increases over February 2005. Three categories recorded double-digit PIB revenue and page growth: Drugs & Remedies; Apparel & Accessories; and Retail. Increased spending in the pharmaceutical sector as well as ads for Fitness/Health/Spa programs boosted the Drugs category, while bridal couture helped both the Apparel & Accessories and Retail categories. Ads for department stores and high-end fashion retailers also contributed to gains in the Retail category. Other categories that recorded PIB revenue and page growth were Toiletries & Cosmetics; Media & Advertising; Financial, Insurance & Real Estate; and Technology. January – February 2006 vs. 2005 For the first two months of the year, half of the 12 major advertising categories generated increases in PIB revenue and pages: Drugs & Remedies; Apparel & Accessories; Financial, Insurance & Real Estate; Retail; Technology; and Public Transportation, Hotels & Resorts. Double-digit PIB revenue and page growth was recorded by the Drugs & Remedies, Apparel & Accessories; Financial, Insurance & Real Estate; and Retail.