The Alliance for Audited Media (AAM) announced this week that all Canadian and U.S. newspapers will be releasing circulation data on a quarterly basis by mid-2015.
The organization said the move would satisfy media buyers’ need for more frequent and timely data, while supporting its commitment to making its Media Intelligence Center the newspaper industry’s “most robust” audited cross-media data.
While U.S. dailies with a circulation of greater than 25,000 have already been providing quarterly circulation updates, titles with circulation less than 25,000 will begin providing the data beginning in the fourth quarter. Canadian AAM members are expected to begin filing quarterly circulation reports beginning in June 2015.
The AAM is also encouraging member newspapers to provide monthly usage data for their desktop and mobile websites, as well as related apps.
With newspapers reporting more frequent data online, the AAM said it expects to replace the semi-annual U.S. publishers statement document with a streamlined report next year.
AAM also announced that business publication members are currently exploring options for reporting print circulation and monthly digital metrics on an issue-by-issue basis. The research body said it is currently testing a tool for publishers to feed digital data directly to its database in order to streamline the process.
AAM also announced that Christina Meringolo, executive director of global media services for Merck Consumer Care, has replaced former ZenithOptimedia Canada CEO Sunni Boot as chairman. Boot, who retired in December, had held the role since 2011.
AAM president and managing director Mike Lavery said that the organization achieved several significant milestones under Boot’s leadership, including its rebranding from the former Audit Bureau of Circulations, the launch of the Media Intelligence Center and the growth of multiplatform initiatives such as the Consolidated Media Report.
Lavery also said that Boot was a force behind the formation of AAM’s Canada Board Committee and helped increase the Canadian voice. “Her contributions will have a lasting impact on our organization, and we wish her well in her retirement,” said Lavery in a statement.
