Gannett reported its publishing division's advertising revenue plunged 16.8 percent in August, compared to the same period in 2007, Editor & Publisher reported.

The plummet was due to steep declines in classified advertising revenue.

Classified advertising revenue dropped 28 percent on a severe downturn in real estate (down 40 percent), employment (down 33.6 percent) and automotive (down 21.1 percent). Properties in both the United States and the United Kingdom experienced declines, E&P reported.

At Gannett's U.S. community publishing division only, total classified revenue was down 25.8 percent. Real estate revenue dropped 32 percent, while employment and automotive were down 35.1 percent and 18.3 percent, respectively.

Total retail advertising revenue at Gannett's publishing division declined 6.9 percent due to softness in the furniture, telecommunications and home improvement categories.

Total national advertising revenue at its publishing division dropped 13.3 percent. At USA Today, ad revenue fell 13.5 percent on paid ad pages of 208, versus 236 in the same month a year ago. Revenue grew in telecommunications, advocacy and financial advertising; however, it could not offset losses in automotive, technology, retail and home and building categories, according to E&P.

Broadcasting revenue at Gannett increased 20.7 percent, mostly driven by Olympic and political advertising.