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. 2 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 February 6, 1997 Los Angeles, California