UK ABC circulation figures

Future Network PLC
15 February 2002

15 February 2002



                         The Future Network plc

          New games magazines are the highlight of Future's latest ABC figures

The Future Network plc (LSE:FNET) today releases the latest ABC audited
circulation figures for its UK magazines.

Key highlights:

•   Official PlayStation 2 Magazine is the UK's fastest growing monthly consumer
    magazine with a 53.8% year on year increase.  Future's unofficial PSM2 title
    ranks as the third fastest growing monthly consumer magazine, with a 42.3%
    year on year increase;

•   PlayStation2 magazine sales continue to track the growing sales volume of 
    the PS2 console, with December 2001 sales of Official PlayStation2 Magazine
    at 190,000 copies, representing approximately 10% of the 1.94 million* 
    installed base of PlayStation2 in December 2001;

•   Future's share of the UK games magazine market increases to 55% - up from 
    53% in the first half of 2001;

•   Computing magazines declined overall, particularly Future's three Internet 
    titles, which each dropped more than 25% year on year.  One notable 
    exception was PC Answers, which was up 10% year on year;

•   The Entertainment division performed well, with 13 out of 19 titles showing 
    year on year growth.  Strong performances from Future's Music titles 
    (where 5 out of 8 magazines recorded over 10% year on year growth) and a
    9th successive circulation increase from Total Film, helped offset declines
    in other parts of the portfolio.

Greg Ingham, Chief Executive of The Future Network, commented:

'These are encouraging ABC figures.  Our games magazines are benefiting from the
strong growth in the computer games market, with impressive performances from
both our official and unofficial PlayStation 2 titles.

'Outside of the games market, conditions are tougher, particularly for our
computing and Internet titles.  Our entertainment division held up well, with
some strong performances from our music titles, Future Music, Guitarist, Metal
Hammer, Rhythm and Total Guitar and the continued growth of Total Film, helping
to offset declines elsewhere.

'It is worth noting that these ABCs relate to a period of significant
reorganisation for the business and it is to the great credit of our magazine
teams that these results have been achieved.'

For further information:

The Future Network plc                 01225 442244
Greg Ingham, Chief Executive
John Bowman, Finance Director

Hogarth Partnership
James Longfield/Georgina Briscoe       020 7357 9477


Notes to Editors:

* source: ChartTrack December 2001

A list of the ABC circulation figures for each audited UK title is attached.
These ABCs are the average audited circulation figures for either the past year
or the past six month period (depending on whether the magazine undertakes
annual or six monthly audits).  Future currently publishes 48 monthly magazines
in the UK, out of a total of over 80 titles across the group.

Future will be announcing its preliminary results in March 2002.

About The Future Network Plc

Future was founded in the UK in 1985.  Today it publishes over 80 magazines
worldwide.  It is the leading publisher of video games and home computing
magazines in the UK and Italy.  The company also licenses 32 of its titles
resulting in over 60 local editions in a further 23 countries.  Future employs
more than 1,100 people in offices in Bath, London, San Francisco, New York,
Paris and Milan.  The Company was floated on the London Stock Exchange in June
1999.


A breakdown of the ABC figures for Future Publishing's individual titles
for Jan-Dec 2001 and Jul - Dec 2001


Games Division



                PlayStation Magazines                                     July - Dec 2001
Official PlayStation 2 Magazine                        125,895
Official PlayStation Magazine                          102,332
PlayStation Max                                        33,107
Official PlayStation 2 Special Edition                 40,246
PSM2                                                   74,643
                Other Games Magazines                                     Jul - Dec 2001
Edge                                                   30,118
GamesMaster                                            52,708
NGC                                                    25,305
PC Gamer                                               78,553



Computing Division



                                                             Jan - Dec 2001 (except where indicated)
.net                                                  36,754 (Jul-Dec 2001)
3D World                                              14,652
Computer Arts                                         31,675
Computer Arts Special                                 25,373
Cre@te On Line                                        13,092
Internet Advisor                                      22,834
Internet Works                                        19,682
MacFormat                                             22,839(Jul-Dec 2001)
PC Answers                                            41,111(Jul-Dec 2001)
PC Format                                             76,337(Jul-Dec 2001)
PC Guide                                              12,460
PC Plus                                               85,111



Entertainment Division


                                                             Jan - Dec 2001 (except where indicated)
Classic Rock                                          31,794 (Jul-Dec 2001)
Computer Music                                        26,032
Cross Stitcher                                        67,769
Cycling Plus                                          20,200
Diesel Car                                            16,861
Future Music                                          20,645
Good Woodworking                                      19,133
Guitar Techniques                                     14,001
Guitarist                                             26,260
Hi Fi Choice                                          13,832
Home Entertainment                                    18,323
Manchester United Magazine                            56,399
Mountain Biking UK                                    53,052
Metal Hammer                                          40,060 (Jul-Dec 2001)
Rhythm                                                7,383
SFX                                                   37,018
T3                                                    50,561 (Jul-Dec 2001)
Total Film                                            83,100 (Jul-Dec 2001)
Total Guitar                                          33,303




                      This information is provided by RNS
            The company news service from the London Stock Exchange