PUBLICATION PRINTING OUTLOOK --Challenging Issues

Additionally, the MPA reports that 39 titles have ceased publication through September of this year, which compares to 119 titles for all of 2001 and a total of 37 closures in 2000, Paloian notes.

"Our expectations are that many publishers, particularly in the business-to-business sector, will continue to experience a soft year for most, if not all, of 2003," he reveals. "Competition for advertising dollars remains very competitive among all media, as well as within the magazine segment. Many of the bigger publishers continue to find some success in the custom publishing arena, as single-source "loyalty" magazines gain some momentum. Cross-marketing of multiple titles, as well as a publisher's entire media portfolio, also remains a point of positive differentiation for those who can effectively develop and execute an attractive advertising package.