EXHIBIT 23.1     
 
                        CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
   
  We consent to the reference to our firm under the caption "Experts" and to
the use of our report dated December 16, 1996, in the Registration Statement
(Amendment No. 1 to Form S-4 No. 333-18017) and related Prospectus of Petersen
Publishing Company, L.L.C. for the registration of $100,000,000 of its 11 1/8%
Series B Senior Subordinated Notes due 2006.     
 
                                          Ernst & Young LLP
   
January 31, 1997     
Los Angeles, California