• June 13, 2003

Gannett newspaper advertising revenues in May were up 4% compared with the same period in 2002 on a 1% increase in ROP volume and a 12% advance in preprint distribution. Pro forma classified revenues advanced 4 % in the May period on a 3% increase in ad volume. Employment revenues declined 6% from the same period last year. Classified real estate revenues advanced 13 %, and automotive increased 5%. According to the company, the performance of the company's small and medium-sized advertisers in its domestic newspapers outpaced the revenue performance of its largest advertisers. In the U.S., newspaper gains were achieved in the entertainment, health, financial and restaurant categories while there was softness in department stores, consumer electronics and grocery ad spending. National advertising revenues increased 10% on an 8% increase in ad volume. National volume at the company's local domestic newspapers increased 8% over May 2002. At USA TODAY, advertising revenues rose 11% on a 10% increase in paid ad pages to 394 from 359. For the month, automotive, technology, entertainment and telecommunications advertising were strong but soft travel advertising partially offset these gains. For the year-to-date, USA TODAY's paid pages numbered 1,907 versus 1,995 last year while ad revenues were 1% higher.