Rules & Resources
Newspaper Support Center

Single-Copy Promotions Guidebook—Canadian Newspapers

Two Single Issues of the Same Newspaper Sold as a Package

A newspaper may decide to sell two copies of the same newspaper together as a package. This includes:

  • The sale of two copies of the same issue
      ­
    • Two copies of the Yukon Herald Sunday, May 27 issue.
    • Often referred to as a “Double Deal.”

  • The sale of two copies, but two different issues

    • A copy of the Yukon Herald Sunday, May 27 issue and Monday, May 28 issue.
    • As a reminder, back copies are not eligible for inclusion in paid circulation. See definition of back copies.

The sale of two different publications together in a package is considered a combination sale and therefore is governed by the ABC requirements for a combination sale.

Two-stack and Three-Stack Policies

For all single-copy venues where a newspaper will sell two single issues of the same newspaper as a package, ABC requires each issue be made available for purchase separately.

When the sale is for two copies of the same issue of the same newspaper, then the requirement is often referred to as the “two-stack” policy. There would need to be two stacks from which the consumer may choose – 1) the package with two copies of the same issue, and 2) a single copy of the issue.

When the sale is for two copies of the same newspaper, but two different issues (two different dates or editions), then the requirement is often referred to as the “three-stack” policy. There would need to be three stacks from which the consumer may choose – 1) the package 2) Issue A sold separately, and 3) Issue B sold separately.

These two and three-stack policies apply to all of the various types of single-copy outlets where the package is sold including retailers, vending machines and hawkers.

Pricing

A qualifying price for the sale of two issues to the same newspaper by a single individual is one cent per copy.

Promotional Material

All promotional material must:

  • Identify the issues involved in the sale.
  • State the selling price of the package.
  • Reflect a qualifying price.
  • Exclude any reference to either copy as being free, no additional cost, bonus, or other synonymous language.

Examples—Two Single Issues of the Same Newspaper Sold Together

Reporting

Circulation generated from the sale of two single issues of the same newspaper is classified as single copy on the ABC Publisher's Statement.

Canadian Publisher's Statements delineate between circulation sold at 50 percent or more of basic prices and circulation sold at less than 50 percent of basic prices.

The price classification for sales of two single issues of the same newspaper is based on the price offered to the consumer, per copy.

  • If the price offered for the newspaper is 50 percent or more of basic prices, the circulation is included in Paragraph 1A.

  • If the price offered for the newsapaper is less than 50 percent of basic prices, the circulation is included in Paragraph 1B, with further disclosure in Paragraph 1G.

In Paragraph 2, the circulation is classified in the proper reporting zone based on where the copies were purchased by the consumer.



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