This table represents some basic terminology and their definitions that are often used in publisher’s statements.
Some of this terminology and the accompanying definitions change depending on the type of publication (i.e., newspapers, consumer magazines, and business publications). This table’s definitions are meant for business publications.
Terminology |
Definition |
|---|---|
Total Average Qualified Paid Circulation |
Reports circulation by individual, association, sponsored individually addressed, multi-copy same addressee, and single copy categories. Qualified paid circulation is defined as single copies or subscriptions sold at one cent or more. |
Definition of Recipient Qualification |
This is standard in every business publication report. It defines the qualification standard for the publication by stating specific businesses, industries, titles, occupations and/or functions with clearly defined limits to whom the publication is directed. |
Qualified Paid Circulation by Issue |
Reports qualified paid circulation for every issue served within the time frame covered by the statement. |
Additional Circulation Information – Post Expiration Copies Included in Paid Circulation |
Reports the percentage of paid subscriptions served one to three issues past the expiration date for a given issue and for the period covered by the report. |
Qualified Non-Paid Circulation |
Reports circulation that is addressed to recipients in which the copies served are not paid for by the recipient. Recipients must qualify according to the “Definition of Recipient Qualification.” Since business publications rely on the qualification of the recipient base, analysis of the base is divided into the following areas during the period covered by the report:
|
Individual Subscription |
Served by mail and qualified as “paid” in accordance with ABC rules. |
Association Subscription |
There are two types of Association Subscription:
|
Single-Copy Sale |
A specific copy of an issue. This can also be “Single-Copy Sales as Multi-copy – Same Addressee.” In this instance, if the number of copies involved in a multi-copy sale exceeds 1% of the “Total Average Paid Circulation” and/or the non-paid direct request, excluding the “Multi-Copy – Same Addressee” and “Multi-Copy – Sponsored Individually Addresses,” the copies involved in that sale in excess of 1% may be reported as “Single-Copy Sales as Multi-Copy – Same Addressee and Sponsored Individually Addressed.” |
Multi-Copy Sale |
All copies or subscriptions purchased in quantities of two or more, which are seen as promoting the professional or business interests of the purchaser. There are two types of Multi-Copy Sale:
|
Paid Circulation |
Copies of the publications that have been paid for by the purchasers, not for resale, and fulfilling the below conditions:
|
Field Served |
A statement by the publisher of the specific business or industry covered by the publication and of the target audience of its editorial content. |
Recipient Qualification |
A statement by the publisher describing the titles or functions of the individuals or groups entitled to receive copies of the publication.
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