Definition of Publishers Information Bureau (PIB)

organization founded in 1945 to monitor the ad page revenues of consumer magazines and the ad placements of magazine advertisers. PIB issues reports on a monthly and cumulative basis on advertising in consumer and agricultural magazines and in newspaper sections and supplements. Figures are reported by publication, industry classification, and advertised products and services. Advertisers use this information to determine where their competitors are placing ads. Publications use the information as a selling tool. PIB membership includes publishers of magazines and newspaper magazine sections. There has been some controversy over whether the revenues of magazine supplements and specials should be included in the overall total for a publication because they do not represent normal issue.