What is an ABC audit?

An ABC audit verifies the paid circulation of a publication over a defined audit period.

With the introduction of new Rules that came into effect on July 3, 2006, the audit requirements for Publishers has changed.

As of July 3, 2006, the ABC will deliver 13-week audit reports for all National Newspapers, Metropolitan Monday-Friday Daily Newspapers, Metropolitan Saturday and Sunday Newspapers and Newspaper Inserted Magazines. Regional Daily and Sunday Newspapers and Country Press and Weekly Magazines with an Average Issue Circulation over 25,000 must also deliver 13-week audit reports.

All other publisher members will continue to report 26-week periods July to December and January to June.

Please refer to Part 5, Audits, Auditors and Audit Reports in the Rules for complete detail.

Audits are conducted by either staff or registered ABC auditors who are independent of the publication.

All ABC information is published and distributed to members in the hard copy Summary Reports electronic formats as well as on our web site.

What does a CAB Audit cover?

A CAB audit verifies the total average distribution of a publication over a defined audit period. Every copy within the defined six or twelve month period is verified to produce the Average Net Distribution of an issue. The audit verifies and reports the average net distribution per issue, highlighting the printing and method of distribution, number of issues and the publishing frequency of each publication.

There are two audit periods, April to September and October to March.

All CAB information is published and distributed to members in the hard copy Summary Reports as well as to this web site.