Pre - close Trading Update

Future Network PLC
10 July 2003

10 July 2003

                             THE FUTURE NETWORK PLC

                            Pre-Close Trading Update


The Future Network plc, the international specialist consumer magazine
publisher, today issues the following pre-close period trading update ahead of
the announcement of the Group's interim results for the half-year to 30 June
2003, scheduled for 16 September 2003.

Overall, the performance of the Group's magazine portfolio continues to show
progress, with group profitability to date in line with internal expectations.
For the first five months of 2003, circulation revenue (which for calendar year
2002 accounted for 68% of Group revenues) grew by 8%, despite weakness in some
UK circulation volumes, compared with the same period last year.  Advertising
revenue rose by 5%.  Total Group revenue increased by 7% compared with the same
period last year.

Revenue performance by sector for the first five months shows year-on-year
growth of 13% for computer games, 2% for computing, and 2% for entertainment
magazine titles.

Future's US business has experienced good year-on-year revenue growth (8% in
sterling terms) in the first five months of 2003, continuing the progress made
in 2002.  Each of the magazines published in the US is performing better than
last year.

The UK magazine business continues to perform satisfactorily, with revenue
growth of 4%.  Computer games revenues have shown the strongest growth (at 8%)
although the balance of this magazine portfolio is changing.

Mainland European operations are expected to show a small operating profit for
the first half.

Overall, the performance of the Group's magazine portfolio continues to show
progress, with both revenues and operating profit ahead of last year for the
first five months. Shareholders are reminded of the importance of the second
half of the year, particularly the fourth quarter.

The Group will be announcing audited circulation figures for its US portfolio
and for some of its UK magazines in mid-August.  The Group's interim financial
results for the half-year to 30 June are scheduled for announcement on 16
September.

Enquiries:

The Future Network plc
Greg Ingham, Chief Executive                     Tel: [phone]
John Bowman, Finance Director

Hogarth Partnership
James Longfield/Georgina Briscoe                 Tel: [phone]



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