Media General Oct. Sales Fall 11.8 Pct

Total revenue slipped to $97.1 million from $110.2 million in the same month last year. The decrease reflects the absence of nearly $17.5 million in political advertising revenue compared with October 2006, the company said.

Sales from Media General's publishing division fell 9.1 percent, mostly due to continued weakness in classified advertising, particularly in the Tampa, Fla., market.

Sales from the company's broadcast operations tumbled 16.9 percent due to reduced spending on political advertising in the off-election year.

Declines in print and broadcast advertising revenue were partially offset by increased sales from the company's interactive media division, which grew 27.3 percent in October. The increase reflects significantly higher revenue from its advergaming business, Media General said.

Shares of Media General slid 56 cents, or 2.3 percent, to $23.96 in midday trading, after hitting a new 52-week low of $23.79 earlier in the session. Shares have traded between $24.19 and $43.94 in the past 12 months.