
2008
CAB adds more data on November 18 2008
Tuesday November 18, 2008 – Following the release of data for the period ended September 2008 through the new web site, a number of CAB members’ audited data and publisher’s statement have been received and have now been added to the database.
A summary document titled ‘CAB Data Addendum - Nov 18 2008.pdf’ is linked to this release and details the names of those publications that have been added to the data available through the web site.
Reporting Non-Compliance
In important element to the release of data is the notification of CAB members who have not completed the required reporting for this audit period.
These publications must not associate with the CAB in any manner, either through use of the logo or any claim to membership until they meet the reporting requirements of membership. All previous data being out of date must be totally disregarded to ensure potential advertisers are not misled.
A document titled ‘CAB Reporting Non-Compliance – Sept 2008.pdf’ is linked to this release and details the names of publications that have not submitted circulation statements, are filing a Late Return or have resigned from the CAB or closed.
Please contact Heather Craven on 61 2 9954 9800 with any questions.
Tuesday November 11, 2008 – The Audit Bureau of Circulations (ABC) and the Circulation Audit Board (CAB) have released a new advertising campaign to tie in with the release of their revitalised branding and new web site.
The print and online campaign for the ABC features the proposition “YOU NEVER KNOW WHEN THE TRUTH WILL HIT YOU”, with Harold Mitchell, Executive Chairman, Mitchell Communication Group, and Belinda Rowe, Chief Executive, Zenith Optimedia providing their services as talent for the photo shoot.
The print and online campaign for the CAB focuses on the proposition of “LOOKING FOR NUMBERS YOU CAN TRUST?” with the Scales and VW Combi executions.
We would like take this opportunity of thanking those members who have supported these campaigns with their space in various National, Metro and Community Newspapers, and other Magazine Publications. Particular thanks go to our “actors” Harold and Belinda; our friends from Ad News, B&T, The Australian and Australian Financial Review; and the ad creative team from M&a, also our designers of the new branding and web site: www.auditbureau.org.au.
If you require more information or would like a copy of the ads please contact Heather on 02 9954 9800.
Click each image for a larger view.
CAB Constitution & Rules – Australia wide education/consultation workshops
September 26, 2008 – Sydney, NSW – The CAB called for participation from members this week for attendance at workshops and seminars being held across Australia in preparation for the launch of new rules and reporting standards, as it nears completion of the comprehensive Rule Review process it commenced late last year.
The Review has already resulted in the successful adoption by members on September 15, 2008 of a new constitution to govern the CAB. These Rules will be supported by a set of By-Laws directing the day-to-day function of the CAB soon to be circulated to all members.
The final element of the CAB Rule Review process is the introduction of Reporting Standards, which will govern the audit processes for each of CAB’s different audit services, starting with the Print Distribution Audit and will include new rules for Digital Publications, and updates for the Exhibition Attendance Audit, the Email Newsletter Distribution Audit, Profile Demographic Audit and the Unaddressed Distribution Audit.
Heather Craven, CAB Director of Marketing and Communications commented, ‘Members have a unique opportunity to attend a once in a lifetime event – the last time the rules were changed was over 50 years ago! We genuinely want our members to participate in the direction and development of CAB including the proposed changes to the Print Distribution Audit. In addition, members will get a first look at our new branding, and the new web site including eData and eLodgement, to be launched in early November 2008.’
The workshops will cover the full detail on proposed changes and highlight; the changes to Bulk Distribution Reporting, the reporting of Verified Recipients, the treatment of Multiple Area Newspapers (regional editions), the introduction of Optional Issue Exclusions for Newspapers and a look at the new reporting formats.
The workshop series which kicks off in Sydney next week includes dates and venues across Australia with separate events for CAB’s different membership streams including:
Sydney – CAB Offices
B2B and Specialty Publishers:
ABC & CAB appoints Director of Audit Services
Monday September 22, 2008 - Sydney, NSW – The Audit Bureau of Circulations (ABC) and Circulations Audit Board (CAB) have appointed Paul Dovas to the role of Director of Audit Services effective immediately.
Paul’s new role will focus on improving and expanding the traditional print audit services for publishers, advertisers and media buyers, and launching new web measurement audit products in the digital space for both the ABC and CAB. His responsibilities will include the management of both internal staff auditors and external audit partners.
Gordon Towell, ABC and CAB CEO, said ‘Paul’s extensive audit experience and unique knowledge of the ABC and CAB, combined with his involvement in digital media over the last 2 years, will be of immense value to both the organisation and our members. This appointment recognises our commitment to the delivery of audit best practice and an increasing focus on the delivery of new products and services in the digital era.’
Paul has a long history with the media industry serving for 8 years as Director of Audit Services before taking a break to pursue other interests in the print and digital media area.
‘I am looking forward to reinvigorating the staff audit service and ensuring that ABC and CAB deliver greater access and transparency to audited data across many media platforms including print, digital and mobile.’ Paul Dovas said.
ABC launches vibrant new look and direction at 76th AGM in Sydney
Monday September 15, 2008 - Sydney, NSW – The ABC AGM, held on Wednesday September 10, 2008 saw the rebirth of a trusted media brand as Gordon Towell, ABC’s new CEO, outlined a programme of sweeping changes including the rebranding of the ABC; a completely revised web site; a new online circulation data portal; and a range of new products and enhanced services. Towell, who joined in early July this year, said: ‘The ABC is responding to the changing media landscape through the delivery of new services relevant to todays cross platform marketplace. We look forward to engaging the industry in further dialogue ensuring the needs of our membership are met.’
The ABC’s digital direction was highlighted with the announcement of a joint ABC and CAB sub-committee focusing on the delivery of a web-measurement solution to suit the needs of the bodies ‘long-tail’ web publisher members by November this year. The joint sub-committee demonstrates the commitment to a closer working relationship between the industry bodies to deliver relevant services in the digital arena.
The first delivery of web site functionality is due in October and includes a new web-based data reporting facility and the launch of ‘eLodgement’ – ABC’s new online audit certificate lodgement process which will revolutionise Publisher and Auditor report filing, as the ABC moves away from the current manual audit certificate to online lodgement of data.
Timed to coincide with the launch of the web site is an exciting new advertising and marketing campaign designed to increase awareness of the value and relevance of audited media in today’s complex media environment. Further details on the new campaign will be released in coming weeks.
The 76th AGM also hosted a lunch in honour of Gloria Jarman who recently retired after 27 years loyal service to the industry as Executive Director of the ABC. A speech from Dr Stephen Hollings, ABC Chairman, highlighting her many and varied achievements was followed by a presentation to Gloria.
ABC members endorsed the current Executive Committee to serve another term, led by Dr Stephen Hollings who will serve his seventh as Chairman for 2008-2009. Hollings is chief executive officer, News Digital Careers in Sydney.
Further, the 26 members of the General Committee endorsed at Wednesdays meeting represent all facets of the industry from advertisers, advertising agencies and publishers across Australia. Full details of the elected General and Executive Committees follow.
ABC General and Executive Committees 2008-2009
At this year’s AGM, held on Wednesday September 10, 2008, members endorsed the following General Committee members for 2008-2009.
Representing Advertisers are:
| Chairman | Stephen Hollings | News Limited |
| Deputy Chairman | David Stuart | Leading Edge Group |
| Hon. Treasurer | Alan Pont | Fairfax Media |
| Committee | Tracie Michael | Mindshare Sydney |
| Eugene Varricchio | ACP Magazines Ltd |
ABC and CAB appoint new Chief Executive Officer
Thursday August 7, 2008 – After an exhaustive search, the Audit Bureau of Circulations (ABC) and Circulations Audit Board (CAB) welcome Gordon Towell as their new Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately.
ABC Chairman Dr Stephen Hollings said ‘Building upon recently improved audit rules and processes, it will be an exciting time for the ABC as we look to the delivery of more relevant media measurement. Gordon’s extensive leadership and international experience will help guide us into the future.’
Rob Yeomans, CAB Chairman commented, ‘Gordon’s background in both print and IT is a perfect fit to lead the CAB into this rapidly changing and technologically challenging era.’ Gordon joins the ABC and CAB with more than twenty years experience leading companies across a diverse range of industries. With an IT and print background, he is uniquely positioned to lead the ABC and CAB into the fast changing media marketplace. Prior to joining the ABC and CAB his career has seen him transform the printing industry with the creation of the Geon Group, amalgamating printers across Australia and New Zealand into one multi-national printing supergroup. Prior to that Gordon held a number of senior roles in the IT industry including CEO of IDS Enterprise Systems, Granada Computer Services International, and the Compel Group PLC, which he managed to a stock market flotation.
Gordon noted ‘I very much look forward to working even more closely with the media industry and leading the ABC and CAB into the Digital era. The respect and credibility of the audited data currently provided is proof of their relevance, and the ability to deliver that in new and more meaningful ways as media offerings diversify presents both a great opportunity, and a distinct benefit to advertisers, media buyers, and agencies.
I am confident the ABC and CAB can provide real leadership in the auditing of web measurement data whilst providing enhanced services including online services such as ‘eLodgement’ - the ability to lodge audit certificates online, and provide circulation data and reports via a new web portal.’

Advertiser and Media Buyer Survey Results Released by the ABC and CAB
5th February 2010 - It has been confirmed by agencies and advertisers that audited circulation data plays a vital role in media planning and purchasing decisions.
CAB Publicity Correction
4th February 2010 - The Board of Directors today issued a Publicity Correction regarding CAB member Convenience & Impulse Retailing magazine following the resolution of a publicity matter made by Retail Media.
Industry Associations Meet
22nd January 2010 - A meeting yesterday between representatives from the MFA[1], the IAB Australia[2] and the ABA[3] resulted in a greater commitment towards standardisation and transparency of online audience metrics.
ABA Web Audit members approve digital audit standards on October 9, 2009
October 9, 2009 - The ABA’s Digital Watchdog Committee, formed following the launch of the ABA Web Audit Service in July, held its inaugural meeting on September 30, 2009.
ABA Web Audit Service builds momentum on September 25, 2009
September 25, 2009 - Publishers have raced to take advantage of the Audit Bureaux of Australia’s Web Audit Service, with the number of Australian online sites submitting for audit more than doubled in the last month.
CAB Education Series Begins on August 18, 2009
August 18, 2009 - Over the next few weeks CAB will be on the road taking the new Rules out to members and auditors through a series of workshops being held in capital cities around the country.
Launch of IASH Australia brings greater accountability for online advertising.
August 7, 2009 - Twelve of Australia’s leading online advertising companies yesterday announced the formation of IASH Australia (Internet Advertising Sales Houses of Australia), the industry body that will take over the mantle from IANA to bring greater accountability for online advertisers.
CAB adds even more data on July 20, 2009
July 20, 2009 - CAB has added new audited data to eData, CAB's online data access portal, following the completion of additional audits for the period ending March 2009.
CAB adds more data on June 30, 2009
June 30, 2009 - Following the release of data for the period ended March 2009 through the new web site, a number of CAB members’ audited data and publisher’s statement have been received and have now been added to the database.