Rules & ResourcesConsumer Magazine Support Center
Change in Qualifying Club/Membership-Nondeductible (Updated July 2004)
At their July 2004 meeting, the ABC board of directors made a modification to Rule F 2.7 Club/Membership Subscriptions, (Effective Immediately), to eliminate the requirement for the publisher to provide the club/membership – nondeductible members with unique editorial or benefits at least once every quarter for monthly publications and with each issue in magazines published less frequently than monthly.
Nondeductible club/membership subscriptions will qualify for inclusion in paid circulation under the following conditions:
- The publication included in the club/membership program must be editorially homogeneous with the defining characteristics of the club or membership program.
- Annual club/membership dues must be collected from the club/membership members.
- Club/membership members shall have the option to "opt-out" of the club/membership program, but may continue as subscribers at the same or greater price as allocated as part of the membership fee.
- The amount to be allocated to the subscription must be at not less than one cent, and the value of tangible products or services (premiums) plus the amount allocated for the subscription cannot exceed the amount charged as dues.
- The explanatory paragraph of ABC Publisher's Statements shall include a full description of the club, to include a listing of all club benefits and, where applicable, the value of club benefits.
Posted July 23, 2004
