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Q&R Corner: Five FAQs About NIE Copies in Future Newspaper Rules

Welcome to ABC’s new monthly NewsBulletin column, Q&R Corner, focused solely on the upcoming U.S. newspaper rule changes. The column will be a staple in the online NewsBulletin over the next couple of years as ABC prepares and educates members for the sweeping strategic changes. It will feature FAQs, interviews with ABC staff and industry leaders, a comprehensive review of the new report formats and tips on preparing for the changes.

In our inaugural edition of Q&R Corner, we’ll explore five frequently asked questions about NIE copies and how the upcoming changes will affect this category of U.S. newspaper circulation.

Where will NIE copies be reported?
Beginning with the March 2011 Publisher’s Statement, NIE copies will be included in the new verified circulation category and labeled as “Educational Programs.” All educational programs will roll up into Paragraph 1 under the total average circulation category.

I thought the verified circulation category was for copies delivered to a targeted audience but where no payment was collected. I have paid sponsors for my NIE circulation, so won’t it count as paid circulation?
Under the new definition of paid circulation, a paid copy must be purchased by an individual reader or specialized distribution channel. Since the sponsor of your NIE program does not fall under either of these two categories, the copies do not meet the qualification for the revised definition.

The sponsorship money is still revenue for your newspaper, but the copies will be counted as verified circulation for ABC reporting purposes, regardless of payment received.

If ABC isn’t looking for NIE payment, what kind of documentation will I need to maintain?
Newspapers will still be required to maintain teacher affidavits to demonstrate that the copies were requested, delivered and subsequently used in an educational environment.

What about NIE copies served as electronic editions?
Electronic editions will be reported in a separate line item labeled “Total Circulation—Electronic Editions” in Paragraph 1A. Electronic editions will also roll up into the total average circulation number reported in Paragraph 1. The board continues to have ongoing discussions regarding the reporting of electronic editions.

How will registered college student copies be reported?
Registered college student copies will also be reported as verified in the “Educational Programs” category. The board is considering requests to report registered college student copies separate from other education copies within ABC reports.

For more information on any of the U.S. newspaper rule changes, visit ABC’s Q&R support center.

Is there a topic you’d like to see featured in an upcoming Q&R Corner column? Submit your ideas to ABC staff using our online form.

Related Links:
U.S. Newspaper Qualification and Reporting Support Center
Proposed Rule Revisions and Feedback Form
Implementation Timeline
Prototype Publisher’s Statement for March 2011

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