Tribune has Tough November

By: E&P Staff Tribune Co. reported that consolidated revenues for November were down 3.9% to $437 million compared to the same period a year ago.

Publishing revenues declined 2.6% to $330 million. Hurricane Wilma accounted for $4 million of the decline. Advertising revenues decreased 2.4% to $263 million.

Retail advertising revenues slipped 3.3% due to weakness in the furniture/home furnishings, department store, and electronics categories. Preprint revenues, which are principally included in retail, were down 2.7%, due entirely to volume declines at Newsday.

National advertising revenues declined 6.0%, due in large part to a soft period at the Los Angeles Times. Declines in the wireless, auto, and technology categories were partially offset by gains in the financial and health care categories.

Classified advertising revenues rose 1.6% due to gains in help wanted and real estate, which increased 8 % and 15%, respectively. Automotive classified advertising fell 18%. Interactive revenues, which are primarily included in classified, were $15 million, up 36%.

Circulation revenues were down 5.1% primarily due to volume declines at most of the company's newspapers, selectively higher discounting, and hurricane impact.

Broadcasting and entertainment group revenues in November decreased 7.7% to $107 million.