AAM to report multi-title digital mag programs like Texture as paid subs

Catching up with the growth of unlimited-access digital magazine programs such as Texture (formerly Next Issue), the Alliance for Audited Media has added a new circulation category to its menu of metrics. It means that sales through such sites as Texture will be reported as paid subs rather than newsstand or single copy sales. The new category will be reflected in the June 2016 AAM reports on the first 6 months of 2016.

AAM statements and its online database will include key usage metrics such as:

• Average number of total requests by paid subscribers to receive a digital issue 
• Average number of times issues were opened
• Unique and total opens

"Establishing AAM qualification criteria for these digital programs helps legitimize the innovative work of the consumer magazine media industry over the last several years,” said Sue Roberson, SVP and general manager of consumer marketing and revenue, Time Inc. “It’s a step forward as we continue to extend our brands to new digital channels and platforms.”

The AAM board is also is ready to launch new products, including an ad block detection capabililty, helping publisher to understand the impact of blockers and include the data in the Site Certifier product which verifies key website metrics from Google and Adobe Analytics.  

BPA/CCAB offering service to help companies comply with anti-spam legislation

Publishers who continue to be alarmed/overwhelmed by the provision of CASL, the Canadian Anti-Spam Legislation, may be looking to third parties to help them navigate the shoals in this, the most stringent anti-spam legislation in the world. Coming into force July 1 and whose compliance requirements come into full bloom within three years, CASL poses a threat to the way publishers deal with existing customers and seek out new ones through such devices as direct mail and e-letters. At least in theory, failure to comply with CASL guidelines can result in significant financial penalties, including major fines. 

A division of BPA Worldwide/CCAB, well-known as a circulation auditor, is offering a new service called CASL-Guard which suggests it could reduce the risk. According to Richard Murphy, senior vice president, technology assurance, at BPA, a CASL-Guard third-party review can demonstrate that an organization exercised due diligence to prevent a violation. 

“Implementing a CASL compliance program, assessed by an independent review, can mitigate an organization’s liability in the event of a CASL infraction,” Murphy added.

Auditors will interview staff, examine documentation and test compliance. Companies that successfully complete the program will receive an iCompli CASL-Guard seal to promote their “certified” status.

BPAWW phasing out its traditional circulation statements, moving to multi-channel approach

BPA Worldwide, the auditing firm, is phasing out its traditional print-based circulation statements effective December in favour of its Brand Report, which allows measurement of audience across various media channels. 

"With over 300 members now using the Brand Report, BPA staff and Board decided it was time to give the report a more contemporary and modern look while at the same time transitioning away from its traditional circulation statements.  Utilizing input and guidance from media owners, media buyers, agencies and graphic design artists,  BPA has developed a report that has a cleaner and more contemporary look and feel." the company reported on its website. 

Originally, BPAWW had been promoting a "total footprint" approach, summing up all audience numbers across all channels, without regard to identifying unique individuals. This approach has changed, the company said.  

"Today, recognizing significant input and anecdotal results from both media owners and buyers, the Board concluded that the sum of all media channels does not add value to the media buy as originally believed, and, in fact, has caused some general confusion in the marketplace over what the grand total number actually represents," says a report from BPA.

Reports will be colour-coded, with business having a green border and consumer pink. There will be multi-channel and single-channel reports available.  Below are examples of the single-channel reports.