Definitions: Editions

As of October 1, 2010, Paragraph 1 of ABC reporting formats for U.S. newspapers reflect the following, if applicable:

Print

Print editions represent hard copies of the newspaper reflecting the name under which ABC membership is held.

Detailed circulation data is shown in a subsection of Paragraph 1.

• Detail is shown by delivery type (home delivered, single copy, verified requested, etc.)
• Circulation for print editions is included in the grand total of "Total Average Circulation" (i.e., the topline number).

Digital Replica

Digital Non-replica

Digital non-replica editions represent newspapers available in digital format whose name is the same as that under which ABC membership is held; however, the editorial or advertising content differs from the print. Restricted access is required. (Public access websites aren't eligible as circulation units. However, please contact our ABC Interactive service for the measurement and disclosure of unique users and page views for your public site.)

Detailed circulation data is shown in a subsection of Paragraph 1.

• Detail is shown by delivery platform
  • URL
  • E-readers with advertising
  • E-readers without advertising
  • Mobile devices
• Circulation for digital non-replica editions is included in the grand total of "Total Average Circulation" (i.e., the topline number).

Branded Editions

Branded editions represent print and digital editions of newspapers that reflect a name different than that under which ABC membership is held. The term "edition" and the ABC membership name must be shown in a clear and conspicuous manner on the branded edition. Branded editions may include audience-focused newspapers, alternate-language newspapers or community newspapers.

Note: Separate reporting of branded editions isn't required if the circulation for those editions is less than three percent of the total average circulation and less than 2,000 copies per issue.

Definitions: Classes

As of October 1, 2010, the structure of ABC reporting formats for U.S. newspapers reflect the following classes of circulation, if applicable:

Individually Paid

Individually paid circulation represents subscriptions and single-copy sales of newspapers ordered and purchased by individual consumers, at not less than one cent per copy or per subscription, net of all considerations. This means the purchaser has paid a qualifying price for the copy or subscription in addition to the value of any other product or service bundled with it.

Individually paid circulation has the following subclasses:

• Home Delivery
• Joint Distribution Agreements
• Mail
• Single Copy

Paid Business/Traveler Circulation

Paid business/traveler circulation represents subscriptions and single-copy sales of newspapers ordered by a business for designated employees (by name or title) or by hotels for distribution to its guests and purchased by the employers and hotels at not less than one cent per copy or per subscription, net of all considerations. This means the employers or hotels paid a qualifying price for the copy or subscription in addition to the value of any other product or service bundled with it.

Paid business/traveler circulation has the following subclasses:

• Group (Subscriptions by businesses for designated employees)
• Hotel Distribution
  • Guest refund based
  • Purchased by hotel for guests

Verified Circulation

Verified circulation represents newspapers available for use by individual consumers that are either non-paid or paid for by someone other than the individual.

Verified circulation may not include:

• Copies generated from an offer for a paid subscription, but for which payment was never made (i.e., credit or arrears copies).
• Copies claimed as paid circulation on a Publisher’s Statement, then disqualified as such during the ABC audit.

ABC’s qualification review and audit processes for verified distribution don't govern or consider financial transactions (invoices, payment, rates charged, etc.). If the consumer isn’t paying for the newspaper, the copies are classified as verified (or unpaid) for ABC reporting purposes, regardless if any payment for the newspapers is obtained from an outside source. The focus of ABC qualification and classification for verified circulation is the request for copies or subscriptions, distribution location and confirmation of delivery.

Verified circulation has the following subclasses:

• Home Delivery – Requested
• Home Delivery - Targeted
• Retail/Business
• Educational Programs
• Employee Copies

Unpaid Circulation

Unpaid circulation represents circulation generated by programs not meeting the minimum qualification requirements for individually paid, business/traveler or verified circulation.

Classification Table - Print