May 19 (Bloomberg) -- New York Times Co., the third-largest U.S. newspaper publisher, reported a 2.2 percent drop in April revenue, led by advertising declines at its New England newspapers.

The company pared declines of the previous three months because Easter, a time typically marked by reduced advertising, came in March instead of April this year. Revenue from continuing operations fell to $296.4 million from a year earlier, the New York-based company said in a statement.

A 5.1 percent decrease in total advertising sales was partly offset by an increase in circulation revenue and ad sales at the About.com division. Ad revenue at its news media group fell 6 percent, led by a 12 percent drop at the New England unit which includes the Boston Globe. Sales at the New York Times division dropped less than 1 percent.

New York Times rose 16 cents to $18.63 at 4:03 p.m. in New York Stock Exchange composite trading. It has gained 6.3 percent this year.

To contact the reporter on this story: Leon Lazaroff in New York at llazaroff@bloomberg.net.

Last Updated: May 19, 2008 16:15 EDT