A CAB Audit Service
This audit is for publishers of community newspapers including community language newspapers with any free or controlled distribution.
Introduction To The Audit
The CAB’s Community Newspaper audit delivers audited data about the distribution of community newspapers reported two times a year.
CAB data is relied on by media buyers, advertisers and marketers seeking to improve their understanding of the free and controlled publishing marketplace.
The CAB Print Audit Standard is ‘Average Net Distribution’. The audit verifies the average distribution per issue and reports the distribution methods used to deliver the title to recipients.
Audit Periods
The CAB reports audited data twice per year, in May and November for the periods:
Community Newspapers must audit every 6 months.
How Does A Publication Qualify?
Any community newspaper can audit with CAB. The audit begins with the printing of the publication and looks at all of the distribution methods employed by the Publisher to reach recipients, with a focus on the delivery mechanisms used.
Advertisers and agencies have access to unparalleled levels of data about the distribution of CAB audited publications.
What Qualifies?
Just about everything! Except for those copies left in the publishers office, unsold copies and returns not utilised as well as copies used to mail with invoices.
Preparing For An Audit
Publishers prepare for an audit by collecting and preparing details about the distribution of every issue of the publication for their audit period.
Each audit is unique and will be tailored to suit the distribution process utilised for each publication. Auditors require proof of production of the publication, along with a breakdown of the distribution methods used. Some geographical breakdown is also required. Auditors may seek access to distribution and financial records to verify this data.
The CAB works with Publishers to develop and improve record keeping processes and offers a comprehensive and competitive audit service.
Please see the CAB Audit Guidelines for more detail on how the audit will be conducted.
> Access the above Audit Tools for the CAB
Accessing Data
Members have access to a range of reports, trends and tools that help you better understand paid print media.
ABA Launches Mobile Website to Help Protect Advertiser Dollars
The Audit Bureaux of Australia (ABA) has launched an innovative online tool that allows advertisers, media buyers and business owners to quickly check a publication’s audited circulation data, to help advertisers make safe and informed decisions when purchasing media ads.
Newspapers Embrace New Rules For Reporting Day-of-Week Sales
11 November 2011 -The Australian, the Daily Telegraph and the Herald Sun together with APN News & Media’s entire stable of regional daily newspapers are among the major newspapers that have begun voluntarily reporting their average sales numbers for each day of the week, the Audit Bureau of Circulations (ABC) announced today.
CAB Elects Advertising Agency Representive To Lead New Board
7 October 2011 -The Circulations Audit Board (CAB) highlighted the importance of the protection of advertisers and media buyers with the return of an advertising agency representative as President at the CAB’s annual general meeting held in Sydney on Thursday October 6, 2011.
CAB Calls on Advertisers to ‘Count On Us’ in new Advertising Campaign
5 August 2011 - The Circulations Audit Board has launched its biggest-ever awareness campaign to promote the importance of audited media with the support of CAB members through the roll out of ads across over 800 CAB audited print publications in September.
CAB Conference Here to Stay
28 July 2011 - The Circulations Audit Board’s inaugural Accountability in Ad Spend conference brought together its community of media buyers, print and digital publishers to discuss sex, auditing and macarons with roaring success this month.
Australian Businesses Losing Millions Through Media Scams
11 July 2011 - Australian businesses are losing more than $29 million annually as a result of media scams, with small and medium businesses bearing the brunt of the losses. The Circulations Audit Board (CAB), who is hosting the upcoming Accountability in Ad Spend conference on 21 July, has identified the millions lost each month.
ABC Launches Landmark New Rules to Increase Transparency and Accuracy of Print Sales Data
1 July 2011 - The Audit Bureau of Circulations (ABC) has today launched significant new rules for the auditing and reporting of sales data for print publications, encompassing changes to deliver day-of-week reporting for newspapers, voluntary reporting for all publications and updates to the auditing and reporting of sales categories.
CAB Launches Major Review of Exhibition Auditing
27 June 2011 - The Circulations Audit Board (CAB) has launched the first major review of its exhibition audit rules and guidelines in more than six years, forming a committee of industry leaders to review the existing rules and bring them in line with current market needs.
