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Ask ABC: How can I report additional circulation data not appearing on Audit Reports or Publisher’s Statements?

Consumer magazines, newspapers and farm and business publications may report additional circulation data (such as expanded trending, distribution versus print run, percentage of newsstand returns and renewal rate data) on a Statement Plus document. Statement Plus is designed to augment information released in the Audit Report and Publisher’s Statement.

The following are some basic Statement Plus guidelines:

• The Statement Plus may be issued at any time as a stand-alone document.
• Any data submitted for the first time must be audited prior to its publication. Unless ongoing interim auditing is deemed necessary, subsequent updates of the same information may be published prior to verification at the publication’s next regular audit cycle. Each Statement Plus will indicate whether the data has been audited or is subject to audit.
• If data includes averages, they must be calculated over a period coinciding with the reporting period for the member’s division (i.e., June or December for periodicals; March or September for newspapers).
• If data other than averages are reported, a date indicating when the data were calculated (“as of”) must be included.
• The Audit Report following the release of a Statement Plus document will contain a reference to indicate verification of data contained in the previously released Statement Plus.
• Copies of Statement Plus may be automatically issued to all members requesting reports for the publication involved, subject to review by the managing director.
• If data are related to typical optional reporting data, both data points must appear on the Statement Plus. For example, if average price per copy is reported, the average annualized price must also be shown.
• Advertorial statements and references to competing publication are prohibited.
• The managing director must approve publisher requests for this report in advance.
• The Statement Plus may not include any data prohibited by ABC Bylaws, Rules or Policies.
• Data allowed under current rules must be presented in accordance with the rules and/or calculated according to established formulas.
• All data must be clearly defined and carry approved explanations.
• Data must be based on either historic or present reporting period information and may not be a projection of future expectations.
• All information included in the report is subject to ABC’s normal publicity disclosure policies.
• Third-party information submitted for inclusion must receive prior approval from ABC directors representing the appropriate publisher division.

For information on the filing and release of a Statement Plus document, contact your publisher relations manager.

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